Chelsea are confident Levi Colwill has ‘all the attributes’ to convince Thomas Tuchel he can fight for a starting role at Stamford Bridge, in a blow for Everton’s reported transfer plans.
That’s according to 90min, who note the Blues will welcome Colwill back to west London in the summer after a successful season-long loan at Huddersfield Town. The 19-year-old has established himself as a key part in the Terriers’ Championship promotion-chasing backline.
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Carlos Corberan has fielded the centre-half in 26 of the John Smith’s Stadium side’s games so far. The Spaniard had to make do without the Southampton-born gem through January and February with a knee injury. Colwill has helped to 11 clean sheets when he has played.
Chelsea are now planning to afford Colwill chances to showcase his potential first-hand to Tuchel during their pre-season. Coaching staff and loan managers at Stamford Bridge feel the defender has shown he has the potential to become a top-level option in the capital.
His ball-playing ability and natural defensive instincts, which have seen him be dubbed ‘the next John Terry’, are so strong that some Blues chiefs sense he could even push to become a starter next season as Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen’s futures are uncertain.
Everton blow as Chelsea back Levi Colwill to earn first-team role under Tuchel
If Tuchel does not agree with Chelsea’s loan managers, Colwill will likely leave on loan to a Premier League side with Everton among the club’s keen on a transfer. Gianluca Di Marzio has credited the Toffees, Leicester City, Southampton, Fulham and Huddersfield as suitors.
The Cottagers appear certain to seal automatic promotion out of the Championship, with Marco Silva’s side topping the table. Huddersfield, meanwhile, sit third but are 14 points off Chelsea’s west London neighbours. Bournemouth are 10 points from Fulham in second.
So, the Terriers may need to win the play-offs to give the Blues a reason to let the England U21 star return. While Chelsea’s belief in the much-praised Colwill and plans for him to be in Tuchel’s pre-season side will dent Frank Lampard’s transfer plans with Everton, as well.
“As a person, he has fit in so well,” Huddersfield head of football operations Leigh Bromby told GOAL. “It’s his professionalism, the way he has conducted himself and approached the loan has been fantastic.
“Some players come in from bigger clubs and think maybe it will be easy. He has humility and openness to come in and work for his place, and buy into what we are doing. He has been excellent, and is not only a credit to himself but Chelsea.”
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