MY ACCOUNT
Levi Colwill suffered play-off heartache with Huddersfield in May — but he could still be playing Premier League football during the coming season.
The Chelsea loanee made quite an impact at the John Smith’s Stadium last term as he helped Carlos Corberan’s men come within touching distance of promotion from the Championship.
And his performances have caught the attention of Leicester, Everton and Southampton.
With just over a month to go until the season kicks off, we take a look at how Colwill’s future is shaping up.
Making an impression
Colwill was yet to taste senior football when he joined Huddersfield on loan last summer, though it did not take him long to adapt to life in England’s second tier.
The 19-year-old made 29 regular-season appearances in 2021-22, as the Terriers racked up 19 clean sheets to finish in third place — only Sheffield United (20) and Bournemouth (21) recorded more shut-outs.
He received plenty of praise for his accurate distribution and ability to regain possession in the defensive third, having won 36 tackles and made 44 interceptions across the campaign.
Stamford Bridge spot up for grabs?
Chelsea are enduring something of a defensive exodus this off-season so Colwill might fancy his chances of making an impact in West London.
Antonio Rudiger has moved to Real Madrid, Andreas Christensen is on the verge of signing for Barcelona and Cesar Azpilicueta may be joining him at the Camp Nou.
But the Blues could still make moves in the market before the transfer window slams shut, with Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt, Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde and former Blue Nathan Ake all linked with Stamford Bridge switches.
If one or more of those high-profile defenders arrive, then Colwill’s opportunities will be limited.
Open to offers
Colwill is keen to make his mark at Chelsea — but is not afraid to move elsewhere in search of first-team football.
Speaking in May, he said: “For me, playing for Chelsea will always be the main aim right now because it’s my club.
“But if that doesn’t happen, well then I have to find other ways to progress and become the player I want to be.”
That pragmatic attitude will be music to the ears of the England Under-21s international’s potential suitors.
Toffees transfer?
Everton boss Frank Lampard put his faith in youth while managing Chelsea, so Goodison Park could be an intriguing next destination for Colwill.
And former Leeds striker Noel Whelan is tipping the Toffees to make a move for the 6ft 2in centre-back.
He said: “He [Lampard] did really well with youth when he was at Chelsea.
“That transfer embargo was proof that you can put trust in young players to do the job.
“He [Colwill] has had invaluable experience with Huddersfield this season.”
The former Premier League star added: “He has obviously been watched closely by the scouts at Everton. He may well have been on Lampard’s radar after his time at Chelsea.
“They’ve struggled at the back this season, Everton, and not many come out of this season smelling of roses.
“Michael Keane hasn’t been good enough. Yerry Mina isn’t consistent enough.
“That’s why they’re looking to someone like Colwill to come in and refresh that defence.”
Southampton sale?
Though Leicester are believed to be keen on Colwill, a move to Southampton would perhaps make the most sense.
The teenage talent hails from the South Coast, so would potentially find the prospect of a switch to St Mary’s appealing.
Saints’ manager Ralph Hasenhuttl also has a record of signing and developing academy graduates from bigger clubs, with Tino Livramento and Kyle Walker-Peters excelling under his tutelage.
Meanwhile, fellow prospect Thierry Small and new arrival from Manchester City Gavin Bazunu will be targeting a breakthrough this season, so there is an exciting project developing in Hampshire.
Signing Colwill could take both the player and the club to the next level.
