Crystal Palace are reportedly confident of winning the race to sign Levi Colwill, who could leave Chelsea in search of regular football.
According to Simon Johnson of The Athletic, Levi Colwill is ready to leave Chelsea this summer, and Crystal Palace are reportedly leading the race to sign the young defensive prospect. Thomas Tuchel’s tendency to use established centre-backs will have pushed the 19-year-old closer to the exit door as he seeks regular game-time.
Chelsea’s utilisation of their loan stars and academy players has been mysterious at best. In many instances, the Blues have decided to let go of such players to other clubs and shown an inclination to repurchase them when they are established enough to feature at Stamford Bridge.
In the last twelve months, Chelsea have sold Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi, and those players have gone on to feature for England. However, a possible return for those stars is necessarily not ruled out, which offers hope to players like Levi Colwill, who continues to dream of playing for the Blues.
Colwill spent last season with Huddersfield, although he could not help the team get through the Championship play-offs. However, his performances have given Thomas Tuchel food for thought as the German boss ponders on the youngster’s inclusion for next season.
Lewi Colwill and his camp, exploring options with many proposals on the table as reported three days ago. The plan has not changed: he could leave Chelsea in case two centre backs arrive after Koulibaly, as expected. ? #CFC
Chelsea, still working on Kimpembé and Koundé. https://t.co/93j10aChqw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 17, 2022
However, Chelsea’s market activity speaks a different language, as Tuchel is going all out on established players to shore up the backline. Kalidou Koilibaly has already signed and could be followed by more defenders before the window shuts.
Presnel Kimpembe is another target, with the PSG star reportedly close to signing for the Blues in the coming days. Sevilla’s Jules Kounde also remains on their radar, as it’s likely that Tuchel will certainly sign another centre-back to offset the losses of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Even with just Koulibaly, Colwill is Chelsea’s fifth or sixth choice centre-back, considering Cesar Azpilicueta remains at the club. The youngster does not consider the situation favourable and desperately seeks regular first-team action.
Moreover, Chelsea failed to re-sign Nathan Ake, who is set to stay at Manchester City. The advanced nature of the move showed Tuchel wanted an additional defender, thus opening the door for Colwill to depart. Crystal Palace are reportedly leading the chase as Patrick Vieira eyes yet another defender from Stamford Bridge.
Vieira managed to pay a hefty fee for Guehi last summer and could be prepared to do so again for Colwill. There are other clubs from England and abroad keen on the 19-year-old, who may prefer to join a Premier League side, more so within London.
Palace has shown a fantastic vision under Vieira in the last 12 months and may suit a character like Colwill. The French manager will be hoping the 19-year-old has a similar impact to the one Guehi had since signing for the Eagles.
As things stand, Chelsea could reluctantly listen to offers for Colwill, who may not get the desired game time in the upcoming season. But, for the Blues, it’s business as usual, with a sale likely to let them gain financially, and if the player develops into a star in the coming years, re-signing him may not be beyond their realms.
