Chelsea are extremely close to completing the transfer of Kaliou Koulibaly. While he is considered good enough to fill the void by Antonio Rudiger in the left centre-back position, the Blues could miss out on a promising academy prospect future at the club. Levi Colwill is linked with a move away - it comes as no surprise as Thomas Tuchel prefers Koulibaly and Presnel Kimpembe for his defensive rebuild.
In a time when Tuchel's team is desperate for at least two new centre-backs, Koulibaly and Kimpembe would be extraordinary additions to the squad. The pair share a high magnitude of experience, and Levi Colwill could benefit from learning from both.
Despite the interest from other Premier League clubs, the fact is that Colwill will need to fight for his spot in any team that he ends up with - so why not for Chelsea?
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An advantage to having Koulibaly occupying the left-sided centre-back position is that Levi Colwill can find a straight route into the first team. The 19-year-old had a stellar season on loan, with Huddersfield missing out on promotion in the play-off final.
The England under-21 international is now expected to find his way into the first team. It may not be next season or the season after, but when it's time, the Blues will need him to step up and take the place of Senegal international.
Colwill is a young prospect who has written his name in the lights during his loan spell at Huddersfield. He is held in high regard amongst the Chelsea fan base and should find himself a place in the Chelsea squad sooner rather than later. His situation could mirror that of Trevoh Chalobah's.
Having broken into the first-team squad last season, Chalobah had made an impressive start to his senior career. The 22-year-old was granted the trust of Tuchel and featured in Chelsea's season 31 times. He is growing into a rounded centre-back, and it would be great for Colwill to be given the same opportunity.
There is so much potential in the youngster, and it is hard to ignore. As Chelsea look to strengthen their back line, it is imperative that they consider the futures of those that they already have. Colwill may not be experienced enough to take on the challenge of playing for such a big club with massive expectations on a weekly basis, but someday he will be. Tuchel has a huge decision to make for his future but signing Koulibaly over Matthijs de Ligt makes it easier.
There are other advantages to having the 31-year-old Senegalese player above Colwill in the pecking order - Colwill can find a straight route into the first team. Every young defender would benefit from learning from an experienced player, especially one who is en route to seeing out the final stages of his career. The Blues were not too long ago linked with Matthijs de Ligt - a promising 22-year-old with a long career ahead of him. It would be a worry to have him ahead of Colwill in the pecking order as it may not bode well for assurance of opportunities.
Kimpembe becomes the latest option in Tuchels transfer window roulette. If the German manager is looking to keep the three at the back shape, fans should not necessarily worry about chances for Colwill with this extra addition. Thiago Silva is due to exit Chelsea next summer as he comes up to the age of 38. There is enough room in the back line for both signings and Colwill to progress.
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