Why Chelsea should keep hold of Callum Hudson-Odoi

According to the Independent, Chelsea youngster Callum Hudson-Odoi is considering a move away from the club just ten months after signing a new five-year contract worth £120,000 a week at Stamford Bridge.

Hudson-Odoi, 19, has been with Chelsea since 2007 and was a part of a successful Blues youth squad which won several titles including the U18 Premier League title in 2017 and two back-to-back FA Youth Cup titles. He was also successful at the youth level with England, winning the U17 World Cup in 2017.

He made his senior debut in January 2018 and made his debut for the national team in March 2019. His rise to the top has been rather swift and is considered as one of the best young talents in the country. Despite his tender age, he has already made 58 appearances at the highest level and is seen as one for the future. Thus, the Blues should avoid any sale of for Hudson-Odoi.

Hudson-Odoi – A future leader in Chelsea’s attack

Apart from bringing in new signings, the manager should also look to keep hold of his best players. At the moment, the Blues have five wingers in the squad after Hakim Ziyech arrived in London last month. Willian, Pedro, Christian Pulisic and Hudson-Odoi are the members already present.

However, Willian and Pedro will be out of contract at the end of the season. And this would leave Lampard with limited options in the flanks. Both of them are experienced campaigners and their departure would be a loss to the team. And, losing Hudson-Odoi would put them in a difficult state. Thus, keeping hold of him would be a wise decision by the club.

The teenager has already shown immense potential despite his tender age. In 30 games across all competitions this season, he has contributed with 4 goals and 7 assists. He is highly talented and with experience, he can grow into a crucial player for the Blues in a few years.

Letting him go would also be troublesome for Chelsea in various ways. Due to the financial crisis in the footballing world caused by pandemic, it would be difficult for them to bring in a lot of players. Thus, they should keep hold of their best players and the youngster is definitely one of them.

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Verdict

At just 19, Hudson-Odoi has already shown his potential for both club and country. He is capable of playing on either flank and can fight for a spot in the starting XI once Willian and Pedro leave. Thus, the Blues should keep hold of him and for that to happen, the manager needs to hand him his fair share of opportunities.