Young Chelsea Academy graduate Levi Colwill has now officially signed his new long term deal at Stamford Bridge having impressed plenty in the wider world of football during his loan spell out with Brighton and Hove Albion in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.
The England Under 21 international made 17 PL appearances for the Amex Stadium outfit last year, more than playing his part in helping them to qualify for the Europa League in the coming campaign, but on his return to Stamford Bridge, he has now penned a new six year deal with us, and we hold a 12 month option on top of that, so the talented 20 year old’s future is absolutely not in doubt.
With Chelsea and new manager Mauricio Pochettino currently holding betting odds of 5/4 to finish in the top four of the English top flight by the summer of 2024 as per UK bookies, and even currently being 16/1 to rather unexpectedly bounce back from the last few years with a direct title win, how much of a part Colwill will play next season remains open for debate amongst the fan base. There will undoubtedly be decent individual odds on him getting into at least double figures across all competitions, particularly as he has only started one of our four pre season friendlies so far.
As his new deal was announced, the youngster himself said.
“It’s always been an easy decision. As I’ve grown up, all I’ve known is Chelsea. I’ve spoken with the manager and he’s given me reassurance, that trust I needed. He’s spoken with me not just as a player but a person. It’s made a big difference. He pushes us hard, makes sure we do run, but also makes sure we do everything correctly and professional. That is the standards we need at Chelsea, as one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
Having had success on loan spells with Huddersfield Town and Brighton, as well as helping England win the Under 21 European Championships, he is certainly very highly rated at the club and former skipper, and fellow centre half, Gary Cahill said recently of his talents.
“Playing for Chelsea – throughout my time at the club – as a centre-back you are expected to be comfortable building from the back. There was never a coach who told the goalkeeper to hit it long every two minutes. There’s more to it, of course. You look at attributes you want in a centre-back and ask: Is he tall and good in the air? Does he have good presence? Is he quick? Does he take up good positions to receive the ball? Is he composed on the ball? Levi Colwill has those attributes – now he must keep learning and progressing.”
Cahill added.
“The manager will help him with that for sure. So will playing alongside Thiago Silva, who has achieved so much in the game. He can soak up things from him, carry on learning and learning. It will be a big season for him. From the training I’ve watched, from what I’ve seen from him in games, it’s clear he’s got massive potential and is a very good player.”
It could well be a big year for the lad though, whatever ultimately happens.
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