There is no way Chelsea can maximize the potential of their English defender, Levi Colwill by negotiating a deal with Brighton. Moreso, why sell him anyways ?
Brighton are preparing a second bid to Chelsea for the 20year old, who impressed while on loan at the AMEX in the 2022-23 season.
Colwill was a top rated center back in his days at the Chelsea Academy in Cobham and was sent on loan at the start of the season, where he went on to make 22 appearances for Brighton, with 17 coming in the Premier League.
Colwill, who had also impressed when he spent the 2021-22 season on loan with Huddersfield Town in the Championship was able to win hearts while gaining top-flight experience with the Seagulls in a season that ended with the club sealing their first ticket to Europe.
Chelsea and fans continued to monitor his progress while away. However, it appears it is the fans who are more concerned with the player’s progress as the club doesn’t make him feel welcome, base on recent events.
In an interview last month, Colwill had to be reminded he is still a Chelsea player when speaking in an interview just before the end of the Premier League season.
“I forgot for a minute,” said the youngster after remembering he will be headed back to Chelsea, where he is under contract until 2025.
While many sees the comment as a product of the fact that he enjoyed his time with the seaside club, unfortunately, it also highlights the fact that Chelsea gave him no assurance while away from London.
It is understandable that Chelsea is a club that loves spending big on talented player. However, Colwill being an homegrown does not make him any less of a player and though Chelsea wants to keep him, they surely haven’t done enough to convince the player.
He has proven to have what it takes to compete with almost everyone on the books at Chelsea having thrive in a Brighton side considered one of the best in the Premier League this just past season.
His ball playing is superb while his game reading is also another highlight of what an all-round defender is turning to be. Being 1.87 feet tall, he is able to carry his body while he is also a duel monster.
Brighton manager, Roberto de Zerbi has spoken very highly of Colwill and both would love to continue working together. This means the player feels more secured elsewhere, in a club lower in status than in his parent club, Chelsea.
Brighton are willing to make him the club record signing with their pending new offer of £40 million but even at that, it might not be enough a profit in the long run, if Colwill eventually go on to reach full potential.
The club is reportedly looking to offload some deadwood this summer, with many of those being defenders, Colwill should offer option for new manager, Mauricio Pochettino, as competition for Benoit Badiashile in the Left Center Back role.
Already one of the best rated young center backs in the league, Chelsea will now have all summer to convince Colwill to remain at the club, while Brighton continues to push for a move for him.
Lack of European games next season also means limited number of games for Chelsea and for a player like Colwill, who is at that period when he needs to play consistently, it may become inevitable that he leaves Chelsea this summer, whether another loan deal or permanent switch.
For grooming talented youngsters and integrating them into the first team, Colwill not getting to play for the club will be a big miss and Chelsea only have themselves to blame, whether or not Colwill made the decision to leave.
Author : Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
