Chelsea have confirmed that defender Levi Colwill has signed a new long-term contract with the club.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign while on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion last season, making 22 appearances as the Seagulls recorded their best-ever Premier League finish of sixth.
Colwill's form in 2022-23 had sparked interest in his services from a number of clubs, with Brighton keen to make their deal permanent and Liverpool also understood to be in the running for his signature.
However, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was quick to make it clear that the centre-back was part of his plans after taking over earlier this summer, and the player has now committed his long-term future to the club.
Colwill has put pen to paper on an initial six-year contract with the option of a further year on top of that, potentially keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2030.
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"It's always been an easy decision. As I've grown up, all I've known is Chelsea," Colwill told the club website.
"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 added: "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 joined Chelsea as an eight-year-old and has progressed through the ranks at the club's academy, although he is yet to make a single competitive senior appearance for the Blues.
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In addition to his spell at Brighton last season, the centre-back spent the 2021-22 campaign on loan at Huddersfield Town, making 32 appearances across all competitions as the Terriers reached the Championship playoff final.
More recently, Colwill was a fixture for England on their run to European Under-21s Championship glory earlier this summer, earning a place in the Team of the Tournament having helped the Young Lions go through the entire tournament without conceding a goal.
Colwill has also been featuring for Chelsea during their pre-season tour and could make his competitive debut for the club when they host Liverpool in their opening game of the new Premier League season on August 13.
The Southampton-born centre-back's new contract is the latest piece of business done in another busy transfer window for Chelsea following their 12th-placed finish last season.
Pochettino has brought in Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Lesley Ugochukwu, Angelo and Diego Moreira this summer, while no fewer than 14 first-team players - including the likes of Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante and Cesar Azpilicueta - have been allowed to leave.
Barney Corkhill
