Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino makes crucial Levi Colwill decision for next season

Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has had a spectacular 2022-23 season under Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton. The loan move massively helped Colwill in polishing his game and acquiring traits that would enable him in becoming one of the best emerging centre backs in Europe. Now, he has returned from loan and a decision needs to be made over his future.

Colwill was already an eye catching prospect when he was still playing for the Chelsea youth side. He was loaned out to Huddersfield Town in 2021 where he was one of the best centre backs of the team and almost helped the Championship side gain promotion.

In the summer of 2022, Colwill was loaned to Brighton. The move to the Amex Stadium, catalyzed his development as huge strides were made by the Englishman in improving his game. He was a mainstay in the Brighton defence and De Zerbi was in awe of the ball playing centre back.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino makes Levi Colwill decision

The Seagulls wanted Colwill to continue at Brighton and uupon the expiry of his loan deal, and submitted a £30 million bid which was instantly rejected by CFC. Brighton were also considering a £40 million bid as several other sides like Manchester City and Liverpool also showed interest.

Mauricio Pochettino would evaluate Colwill and then take a decision over the future of the 20 year old. The Englishman wanted to play regular football and there were rumours that if he isn’t a part of regular plans at Stamford Bridge, he would push for an exit. Colwill has travelled to the United States of America for Chelsea’s pre-season tour.

In fact, the 20 year old also played in CFC’s friendly against Brighton and was one of the names that impressed Pochettino in the 4-3 thrilling encounter. Pochettino has now had the time to carefully assess Colwill in training and during the friendly games and he has now made a decision over his future. The Argentine manager was full of praise for Colwill’s performance against Brighton.

"We don’t need to make a statement about nothing. He’s our player and he’s going to continue with us. I am happy with him, his performance was good today, better than what I expected because it’s only the first game with us after the season in Brighton. But I think he can be one of the greatest centre-backs in England. He is going to be part of our team. (via Daily Mail)"

There it is. Pochettino has asserted that the Englishman will be a part of the Chelsea team next season and he has the potential to be one of the best centre backs in England. Perhaps, the injury to Wesley Fofana will prove to be Colwill’s gain as he will likely get more playing time.

Will Levi Colwill become a regular starter in the 2023-24 season?