Will Casadei return to Serie A from Chelsea in 2025 January transfer window? | OneFootball

There are reports that Cesare Casadei could return to Serie A in the 2025 January transfer window, but the Italian talent has recently claimed that he’s happy to wait for his chance under Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge.

U21 Italy international Casadei has not been playing consistently under his compatriot Maresca at Chelsea, but despite lack of playing time, Casadei’s motivation has remained high as he recently revealed in an interview with Tuttosport.

“After talking to the coach [last summer], I was 100% sure that staying was the best decision,” said the product of Inter’s academy.

“Maresca told me what he thinks, and I had no doubts. I remained here without even considering potential loan deals. I don’t even think about the winter transfer window. I couldn’t be more proud to play for Chelsea, and the competition is one of the reasons why I decided to stay.”

Chelsea injury news suggests Casadei won’t get any regular playing time in the Premier League anytime soon, as Maresca can rely on a full squad, and all the Blues’ midfielders are currently fit.

Will Casadei return to Serie A from Chelsea in 2025 January transfer window?

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 06: Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea, reacts during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Stamford Bridge on October 06, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

However, the 21-year-old is learning to cover different positions in the middle of the park under Maresca.

Casadei played as an attacking midfielder at Inter Primavera and Leicester City but has been deployed in a deeper position by Maresca this term, which means his chances of getting minutes under his belt will rise in the future.

“Cesare played very good against Barrowand played even better against Gent,” Maresca said at the start of October.

“I’m very happy with the way he’s playing. I had Cesare last year [on loan at Leicester] and he was playing in a different position. This year we are using him like a holding midfielder.

“The reason why is that football goes in the direction where probably in the middle you need a physical player and Cesare off the ball is very big, strong physically, helps us when we want to press.

“On the ball, he is improving a lot; he played one-touch most of the time, so we are very happy. It’s the same for the rest; he can do many things better, but the good thing is he is going in the right direction.”

Casadei’s development in a partially new role and the opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in England may suggest that he’ll wait a few more months before potentially leaving Stamford Bridge.

A January exit, especially on loan, would require time to settle in at a new club and could affect Casadei more than staying at Chelsea, where he’s working under a coach that he’s known for over a year.

Time will tell what Casadei will decide, but as things stand, it would not be unthinkable to see the Italian stay at Stamford Bridge until next summer.