Chelsea ready to open talks with €63m star as January plan revealed

Chelsea are ready to open contract extension talks with Levi Colwill as Barcelona consider a possible bid during the upcoming January transfer window.

Colwill, 23, has established himself as an integral member of Xabi Alonso’s squad so far this season, after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and he is viewed as a key part of Chelsea’s future plans.

The England defender was regarded as one of the club’s “untouchables” over the summer, alongside Cole Palmer, Estevao Willian, Josh Acheampong, Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro, and there is little to suggest this stance has changed.

However, Colwill’s current contract at Stamford Bridge is due to expire in 2029 and the club are ready to open talks over fresh terms as they look to secure his long-term future amid growing transfer interest from across Europe.

That is according to The Daily Briefing, who report that Barcelona and Liverpool are both interested in signing Colwill next year amid his contractual situation at Chelsea.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with the 23-year-old for several seasons, with their interest dating back to his loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, while Barcelona have now reportedly earmarked him as a top centre-back target amid their pursuit of defensive reinforcements in 2027.

It’s claimed that Barcelona have held internal discussions about a January bid for Colwill, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €63 million, and this is expected to prompt Chelsea into action.

The Blues have no interest in losing their academy graduate and it’s understood that contract extension talks have been scheduled, with the club ready to tie Colwill down to improved terms.

While the chance to join Barcelona may be alluring, it seems highly unlikely that Colwill will push to leave his boyhood club, especially given he may not be a guaranteed starter at Camp Nou.

Meanwhile, Chelsea would demand a hefty fee to sanction a sale, given a replacement would be needed, and with Barcelona’s current financial situation, a deal may be considered too pricey by the Blaugrana’s hierarchy.

As a result, Colwill is expected to stay at Chelsea for the foreseeable future, with a new contract likely to be finalised shortly.

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