Callum Hudson-Odoi to leave Chelsea on loan in search of gametime

My Football Facts ⇒ Articles

By Martin Graham | 18th Aug 2022

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is close to securing an exit out of Cheslsa as he in search of more game time ahead of the new campaign.

Several sides have been linked with the England international, with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle and Southampton all showing interest in the forward.

However, Hudson-Odoi is in no hurry and will consider other offers, after he was limited to 15 Premier League appearances last season. In the current campaign, he is yet to feature for Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel.

There are reports that the Blues would be happy to let the 21-year-old leave on a loan deal but are careful to not lose him permanently, given that he has much potential and still has his best years ahead of him.

Very limited chances for Hudson-Odoi

Having missed out of the squad for Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Everton, Hudson-Odoi was an unused sub against Tottenham on Sunday and it is rather evident that he is not in Tuchel’s immediate plans. That decision will come as the latest sign of manager Thomas Tuchel rebuilding his attack, after losing two names in Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku this summer.

Elsewhere, Manchester United have also registered interest in Christian Pulisic, with the intention to sign him on a loan move. However, Chelsea are against the idea of sending the American on loan to a traditional rival. AC Milan have shown interest too in winger Hakim Ziyech and there is a strong possibility a move could be completed before the transfer window ends.

Thomas Tuchel is looking to add some bite in attack and the arrival of Raheem Sterling, as well as the proposed £45m bid for Everton’s Anthony Gordon should make spots upfront rather competitive to secure. With that in mind, it does make sense for Hudson-Odoi to move elsewhere where he can be guaranteed regular football, especially with the World Cup only months away.

Hudson-Odoi has already been capped three times by England and came rather close to joining Bayern Munich in 2019, before opting to stay put at Chelsea, having signed an improved five-year deal in excess of £120,000 a week.

Since suffering an Achilles injury in 2019, the 21-year-old has failed to command a regular spot at Chelsea and has spent this summer bulking up his physique as he aims to gain back full fitness. Several sides could do with a player like Hudson-Odoi and he won’t be short of suitors when Chelsea fully make up their mind and sanction the decision to let him leave on a loan move.