According to multiple reports, most notably from Sky Germany, Chelsea teenager Callum Hudson-Odoi looks more and more likely to leave Stamford Bridge this January.
The 18-year-old has impressed highly but has managed just one Premier League appearance under Maurizio Sarri this season. With his contract expiring in July of 2020, the Blues have tried desperately to tie him down long-term, reportedly offering him a five-year contract this summer. However, Hudson-Odoi reportedly held off on signing the extension until he saw how much playing time he would receive under new manager Sarri, and with that number quite paltry so far, he is more motivated than ever to depart.
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Sky Germany reports that Bayern Munich has made three approaches for Hudson-Odoi since late December, and the latest of $37.5 million has finally piqued Chelsea’s interest, forced in part by Hudson-Odoi asking the club to let him leave. English publication The Guardian has backed up that report, confirming Bayern has seen a pair of bids already rejected. The total would leave CHO as the most expensive English teenager ever.
Sky Germany expect Callum Hudson-Odoi to join Bayern Munich this month after the player asked Chelsea to let him leave. #FCBayern #CFC
— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) January 3, 2019
With Bayern desperately looking for a long-term replacement to one or both of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery - the duo sits at 34 and 35 years old respectively - this seems the perfect opportunity to bring in a valuable squad option at a relatively cheap price.
Other reports in the English tabloids suggest that while Chelsea initially pushed for a buy-back clause, Bayern rejected that notion and instead agreed to a sell-on clause, allowing Chelsea a cut of any potential profits should Bayern sell Hudson-Odoi in the future.
Hudson-Odoi has found himself among a crowded winger situation at Chelsea, with the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian, and Pedro keeping him out of the lineup at the moment and the confirmation of Christian Pulisic’s expensive arrival next season another road block to time on the field. It has even seen Victor Moses pushed out, with just two Premier League appearances to his name.
Chelsea can not boast the most stellar record of selling young players, missing out on the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne, and Mohamed Salah after allowing them to leave at young ages, and that could be the case again here with Sarri unable to make room in the squad to keep the teenager happy.