Chelsea rule out signing replacement for injured Colwill, trust squad depth, Hato versatility

Premier League side Chelsea FC have confirmed they will not enter the transfer market to sign a replacement for injured defender Levi Colwill, who is set to miss most of the 2025/26 season due to a serious knee injury.

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According to renowned football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Blues have chosen not to activate any ‘emergency plan’ despite the long-term absence of the 22-year-old England international.

Instead, the club will rely on its existing squad depth, expressing full confidence in the current defenders available to manager Enzo Maresca.

Colwill suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a pre-season training session earlier this week, just days after returning to Cobham.

The club announced on Thursday that he has successfully undergone surgery, but is expected to be out of action for several months, ruling him out of a significant portion of the campaign.

Hato to Step Up

Chelsea’s decision not to seek a replacement is believed to be influenced by the recent acquisition of Jorrel Hato, the highly-rated young defender signed earlier in the summer. Hato, who can operate both as a centre-back and left-back, is seen as a versatile option who can fill the void left by Colwill’s absence.

The club is also said to be counting on other defensive options in the squad, including Benoît Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, and Wesley Fofana, as they prepare for a competitive season across domestic and European fronts.

Elsewhere in Europe: Sevilla Reject Napoli’s Bid for Juanlu

Meanwhile, in a separate transfer development, LaLiga side Sevilla have turned down a €17 million bid from Napoli for Spanish right-back Juanlu.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Sevilla are holding out for €20 million, in addition to a sell-on clause for the highly-rated 20-year-old defender. Napoli are believed to be considering their next move as they continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the Serie A season.