Colwill still WANTS Brighton transfer as Chelsea talks commence

Cameron Smith

• 17 Jul 2023 07:11 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea defender Levi Colwill is still keen on returning to Brighton this summer, according to reports, although the Blues have no intention of sanctioning a permanent move away.

Colwill, 20, spent last season on loan at the Amex Stadium and caught the eye as Roberto De Zerbi’s side qualified for the Europa League for the first time in the club’s history.

On the other hand, Chelsea finished in a lowly 12th position as they struggled throughout the campaign, despite huge investment from new owner Todd Boehly.

MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals

Colwill also played a key role in England’s triumphant England U21 European Championship campaign earlier this summer, with the Young Lions winning the competition without conceding a single goal. It's the first time in history that feat has been achieved.

However, he is now due to report back to Chelsea’s Cobham training today (17 July), along with fellow Young Lions star Noni Madueke, before the Blues fly to the United States of America.

Chelsea will take part in the Premier League Summer Series and are expected to depart for their pre-season tour of the States today. Furthermore, Colwill is set to engage in talks with new boss Mauricio Pochettino upon returning to the club.

MORE: Why Chelsea CANNOT sell Levi Colwill amid Liverpool interest

The 20-year-old reportedly wants assurances over his role in the Blues first-team squad before deciding whether to stay put in west London or force a transfer away.

Both Brighton and Liverpool have expressed interest in signing him this summer, with the former seeing an opening bid rejected by Chelsea, while the latter view him as the perfect left centre-back to sign this window.

Colwill still wants Brighton move

Chelsea’s stance regarding Colwill hasn’t changed - he isn’t for sale. However, the player himself isn’t so set on remaining at Stamford Bridge.

According to Sussex newspaper The Argus: “Colwill is still Brighton’s top left centre-back target and despite Chelsea having briefed media that Colwill is not available for a move, it’s understood that he would be keen on a return to the Amex.”

In addition, the Daily Express have reported that Brighton genuinely believe Colwill would like to return to the club for the 2023/24 campaign.