By Chelsea are likely to be without star defender Colwill for the 2025–26 season.
Despite Levi Colwill succumbing to a long-term knee injury, one which could rule him out for the entirety of the 2025–26 season, Chelsea supporters May disagree with Enzo Maresca’s belief that He requires another centre back this summer.
The Italian has bluntly stated His desire to sign a replacement, even though Jorrel Hato—seemingly a ready-made step-in—joined from Ajax earlier this Month, and Josh Acheampong looks poised to blossom into a star.
It’s believed that Chelsea won’t panic in the transfer market in the final weeks of the window, although Colwill’s absence was hard felt on the opening weekend as the Blues struggled to pries open a diligent Crystal Palace block.
“You know how important Levi was last season, for the way we want to play,” Maresca said before Sunday’s stalemate. Their blunt performance at Stamford Bridge would’ve only reinforced his belief that Chelsea must mitigate what they’ve lost in Colwill’s passing ability from deep.
With that in Mind, Here are Four Defenders the Blues could sign to replace the injured England international.
Piero Hincapié
The Bayer Leverkusen defender has also been linked with Spurs.
The Ecuadorian international is unique in profile, with innate aggression complemented by a determination to get the ball forward every time he receives it. Maresca hasn’t previously encouraged his centre backs to carry the ball upfield, but his ways may be changing this term after Colwill’s injury.
Castello Lukeba
Lukeba has generated Premier League interest
It’s unsurprising that Lukeba has already generated Premier League interest, with Manchester City among the Frenchman’s reported suitors.
Lukeba impresses physically but is also mightily cultured with the ball at his feet. He’s decisive with his passing,Overall, Lukeba is a great fit for the role Colwill plays in possession, even if he’s likely to interpret the function differently. He’s more of a maverick than the England international, more willing to combine in advanced areas and even have an impact in the final third.
Giorgio Scalvini
The Italian’s not put up Colwill-like numbers at the start of his senior career, but he averages over five progressive passes per 90 in his Serie A career, and has also garnered great praise for his sound defensive fundamentals, and capacity to play various roles. He can even step into midfield and perform without issue.
Jan Paul van Hecke
Chelsea have often turned to the Seagulls for help
Chelsea have turned to Brighton and Hove Albion on numerous occasions since BlueCo arrived at the helm, if Chelsea eventually succumb to Maresca’s wish of signing a Colwill replacement, they may give their old pal Tony Bloom a call.
There are few superior passers in the Premier League than the Dutch defender, who ranks in the top 2% of all centre backs from Europe’s top-five leagues with an average of 7.03 progressive passes per 90 over the past year.
