Levi Colwill confirms Chelsea stay amid Brighton interest

Levi Colwill appears to have confirmed the news of his Chelsea contract extension with a farewell message to Brighton and Hove Albion and Roberto De Zerbi.

The defender spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Brighton where he excelled with the club wanting him on a permanent deal.

Colwill returned to the Blues under new manager Mauricio Pochettino after helping England Under-21s to victory at the European Championships. Liverpool and Brighton were both interested in Colwill, but he was described as ‘untouchable’ by Chelsea.

The 20-year-old’s contract extension was stalled as he sought first-team assurances from Pochettino. However, after joining the Chelsea squad late in the United States and playing against his former club in the Premier League Summer Series, an extension agreement has reportedly been reached.

While an official statement is likely some time away, Colwill’s Instagram message to Brighton appears to confirm that he will now be at Chelsea for the foreseeable future.

“I am proud to have played a small part in the club’s success last season,” he wrote.

“You gave me an opportunity to play in the Premier League when no one else did. I thank Graham Potter for first bringing me to the club and to all the employees at the stadium and training ground for making it a great place to perform and develop.

“Lastly Roberto De Zerbi, you challenged me every day! You made me think and see football in a different way. I cannot thank you enough. Thank you again, LC.”

Due to injuries, Colwill will almost certainly start when Liverpool visits Stamford Bridge for their Premier League opener on Sunday, August 13.