Levi Colwill transfer value sky rockets as Chelsea hit jackpot after contract decision

Chelsea transfer news: Levi Colwill returns to Stamford Bridge as an Under-21 European Championship winner as his price continues to rise.

Chelsea have a gem on their hands and they know it. Levi Colwill is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football, and he's left-footed.

It's a valuable commodity in the modern game with passing range, athleticism and line-breaking ability all of heightened importance. In a three-man defence there is a slot perfect for Colwill, especially considering the left centre-back role has been long occupied by right-footed players in recent years at Stamford Bridge.

Before Benoit Badiashile was signed in January it had been a position for Antonio Rudiger and his no-nonsense style before Kalidou Koulibaly arrived with the promise of being a game-changing addition. His move ultimately failed, though Badiashile has become an immediate fan favourite for his early performances.

Considering the regard in which he is held, it's no surprise. Chelsea are not set to be bullied into selling Colwill, especially not for a price that is hardly above his estimated value. According to Transfermarkt, Colwill's current market value is £25.6million ($32.8million). When considering how valuable he is to Chelsea, though, that grows.

Chelsea will now be looking at the way Arsenal handled William Saliba as the perfect example. Before he made his debut at the Emirates Stadium in August 2022 he was value at £34million ($43.6million) as a 21-year-old. Having now played his first full season in England he is now valued at £68million ($87.3million) instead and is joint second on the most valued centre-backs born after 2000.

One year the senior to Colwill and with a contract expiring next summer before his extension was announced earlier this week, Arsenal never panicked when dealing with their star. Chelsea will now be aiming to do exactly the same and with an extra season of leeway.

Compared to when Colwill was a teenager and in his first senior season of men's football at Huddersfield in 2021, he was valued at less than £2million ($2.5million). That rose to £8.5million ($10.9million) in just one Championship season and now stands above Brighton's latest offer.

Their next point of action may well be to follow Arsenal's example and to try and see their own player flourish in Chelsea blue, watching the price rise and suitors stare with jealousy.