Chelsea may be about to repeat Tomori mistake with Badiashile transfer

Chelsea V Bournemouth in pictures

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Chelsea risk repeating the same mistake they made with Fikayo Tomori if they sign yet another centre-back. The Blues are reportedly interested in signing Monaco youngster Benoit Badiashile but the deal could present a familiar problem for the west Londoners. 

The potential arrival of Badiashile would block the pathway for Chelsea’s best young centre-backs. He would become the fifth centre-back in Graham Potter’s squad, joining Thiago Silva, Kalidou Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah. 

It means that Levi Colwill is unlikely to have a future at Stamford Bridge. The exciting teenage defender has long been tipped to have a successful career at Chelsea. 

Colwill graduated the Cobham academy and spent last season on loan with Huddersfield, where he impressed and nearly helped them earn promotion to the Premier League. His excellent form in the Championship led many to believe that the 19-year-old would get game time at Chelsea this term. 

However, the summer arrivals of Koulibaly and Fofana meant that Colwill was once again sent out on loan. He was signed on a season-long temporary deal by Brighton, who had sold Marc Cucurella to the Blues just days earlier. 

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Colwill initially struggled to get into Brighton’s team but has started their last two Premier League matches, impressing in particular during the 3-1 Boxing Day victory over Southampton. But he will return to Chelsea in the summer at a crossroads, with his future in west London placed in jeopardy by the arrival of yet another centre-back. 

Chelsea risk making the same mistake they made 18 months ago when fellow academy graduate Tomori was allowed to leave. The 25-year-old was sold to AC Milan initially on loan with an obligation to buy for £25m.

Tomori has since excelled in Italy, while Chelsea have looked unconvincing defensively. Potter has struggled to improve the club’s defensive record since being appointed in September. 

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Koulibaly has unconvinced since his summer move from Napoli, while Fofana has struggled with injuries in his first few months at the club. Tomori would likely have earned frequent game time and been a key player under Potter. 

Colwill’s situation mirrors the dilemma Tomori faced when he was forced to consider his future. He is now thriving at Milan while Chelsea are ruing his departure and spending hundreds of millions trying to reinforce their back line. 

They could one day face the same problem over Colwill. Should they sign Badiashile, Colwill will surely depart and could make Chelsea regret their decision making.

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