In a promising move for the future of Chelsea, the Blues have reached an agreement with Levi Colwill for a new six-year contract. While the deal is yet to be formally signed, the 20-year-old center-back is set to remain at Stamford Bridge until at least 2029.
Colwill made a triumphant return to Chelsea this summer following an impressive loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion last season, where he emerged as their top summer transfer target. Despite a late start due to his commendable performances in the Under-21 Euros with England, Colwill has been a consistent presence in Chelsea’s pre-season tour in the United States. His standout display was seen in the recent 4-3 victory against Brighton.
Mauricio Pochettino, the newly appointed head coach, expressed his satisfaction with Colwill’s performance during the pre-season encounter. Pochettino stated, “I am happy with him, his performance was good today, better than what I expected because it is only the first game with us after the season with Brighton. I am so happy, he can be one of the greatest center-backs in England.”
While Colwill made 17 appearances in the Premier League for Brighton last season, he truly shone under the management of Roberto De Zerbi during the team’s run-in, culminating in a commendable sixth-place finish. His standout performances earned him a call-up to train with the England senior side ahead of the June Euro 2024 qualifiers, following which he joined his fellow age-group teammates.
Having previously experienced a loan spell at Huddersfield Town during the 2021-22 campaign, where they narrowly missed promotion in the Championship play-off final against Nottingham Forest, Colwill has displayed remarkable growth and potential.
As Colwill returns to Chelsea, he faces competition for a place in the defense for the upcoming 2023-24 season. The presence of Benoit Badiashile, a like-for-like left-footed center-back option, alongside experienced players such as Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah, adds depth to the defensive lineup. Additionally, Chelsea has agreed on a deal to sign Axel Disasi from Monaco, and Wesley Fofana is currently recovering from an ACL injury sustained in pre-season training.
Colwill is well aware that he must earn his spot in the Chelsea starting eleven, like any other player. His main focus is on gaining sufficient game time to continue his development and build on his momentum. Financial rewards are not the primary motivation for him; rather, he is driven by his passion for the game and the desire to progress in his career.
Having been with Chelsea since the under-9s, Colwill is undoubtedly a rising star in the football world. His recent contributions in helping England secure victory in the Under-21 European Championships, coupled with his pivotal role in Brighton’s impressive league finish, indicate a rapid upward trajectory in his career.
Chelsea is keenly aware of the importance of securing and nurturing promising talents like Colwill, as demonstrated in the past with the Mason Mount transfer saga. The club aims to avoid any similar situations and is committed to supporting the growth and development of their homegrown talents. With Colwill’s future secured, the Blues can look forward to witnessing his continued rise as a vital asset for both club and country.
Image source
Embed from Getty Images
