Levi Colwill: Chelsea defender signs new six-year contract, says Mauricio Pochettino was key to decision

Levi Colwill has signed a new six-year contract at Chelsea, hailing boss Mauricio Pochettino's influence on his decision.

The English central defender spent last season on loan at Brighton and was a regular starter in the Premier League, helping the Seagulls achieve a best-ever sixth-placed finish in the top flight.

The 20-year-old made 22 appearances for the south coast side in the 2022-23 season and helped them seal a Europa League spot for the first time in the club's history.

Brighton were reportedly keen to sign Colwill on a permanent basis, but instead he looks set to be a part of Chelsea's first-team squad this term having featured heavily for the Blues in pre-season under new manager Pochettino.

"It’s always been an easy decision," Colwill told the club's official website.

"As I’ve grown up, all I’ve known is Chelsea. I’ve spoken with the manager and he’s given me reassurance, that trust I needed.

"He’s spoken with me not just as a player but a person. It’s made a big difference."

Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: "Levi is an outstanding player who has risen to every challenge in his career so far. We are thrilled he will remain at Chelsea for years to come.

"His journey from academy to first team is testament to his talent, dedication, and determination.

"Everyone at the club is now looking forward to watching him thrive at Stamford Bridge in the seasons ahead."

Colwill, who has been at Chelsea since the age of eight, helped England win the European U-21 Championships this summer and was part of a defence that did not concede a goal en route to winning the tournament. He was also named in the team of the tournament by UEFA.

Colwill could feature regularly in the opening months of the 2023-24 Premier League season with fellow central defender Wesley Fofana absent. In July, Fofana had anterior cruciate ligament surgery which has ruled him out for several months.

Last month Pochettino said Colwill can become "one of the greatest centre-backs in England".

Colwill's six-year deal has the option of a further year.

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Heineken Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.