Liverpool have ‘never really gotten over’ Levi Colwill since the Anfield outfit registered their interest in a transfer for the Chelsea defender and Brighton & Hove Albion target.
That is according to London World, which has now quoted Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino backing Colwill as a future great. The Blues manager has also admitted that the 20-year-old has surprised him in pre-season. He has slotted straight into the Argentine’s plans with ease.
Pochettino was unsure of what to expect for Colwill when he took charge at Stamford Bridge this summer. The centre-back spent the 2022/23 Premier League season on loan at Brighton and stood out. Colwill enhanced his reputation with the campaign also his first in the league.
Liverpool have not ‘gotten over’ a transfer for Chelsea’s Colwill
Graham Potter seldom favoured Colwill before he left Brighton to take charge of Chelsea last season. Of the defender’s 17 Premier League appearances, he only played twice and for just 11 minutes with Potter. Yet Colwill played 1,207 minutes in 15 games with Roberto De Zerbi.
What Colwill showed at Brighton convinced Liverpool to register their interest in his transfer from Chelsea as soon as the market opened. The Reds have not forgotten what he can offer at Anfield, either. But Jurgen Klopp would have to rival Brighton if Chelsea let Colwill leave.
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Brighton are still pushing Chelsea to include Colwill in any transfer for Moises Caicedo after rejecting another offer. But Stamford Bridge chiefs have made it clear that they are against any player-plus-cash deal. The Blues have also already rejected one offer from the Seagulls.
Liverpool are ready to rival Brighton and submit their own offer
The Evening Standard reported in June that Brighton were considering making an improved £40m bid after Chelsea turned down £30m. It also noted that the Reds and Manchester City were still tracking Colwill, who supported Liverpool as a kid. He adored the Reds in his youth.
Additionally, 90min reported in July that Liverpool are ready to make Chelsea an offer if they permit Colwill’s transfer. Anfield chiefs also believe they can convince Colwill to join as he is unsure of his future in west London. His contract ends in 2025 but Chelsea want to extend it.
Pochettino – who has already called Colwill ‘fantastic’ this summer – giving the Liverpool and Brighton target minutes in pre-season may help Chelsea to fend off all interest in his transfer. And the defender surprising his new manager could go a long way to securing more minutes.
“I am happy with him,” Pochettino said. “His performance was good today, better than what I expected because it is only the first game with us after the season with Brighton. I am so happy. He can be one of the greatest centre-backs in England.”