Callum Hudson-Odoi is reportedly set to prolong his stay at Chelsea by signing a new five-year contract amid interest from Bayern Munich.
According to The Sun, newly appointed Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has finally managed to convince Callum Hudson-Odoi to remain at Stamford Bridge. It is believed that the youngster is set to sign a new five-year contract. He is also expected to receive a bumper pay raise that could escalate his salary to £10 million per year if he can really make an impact.
Hudson-Odoi’s current contract at Chelsea expires at the end of the upcoming season, with Bayern Munich still keen on securing his services. In fact, the 18-year-old has been a subject of the Bundesliga club’s interest since the start of January, and the player too was believed to be tempted by the opportunity of joining of one of the powerhouses of European football.
But, Hudson-Odoi expected to stay at Chelsea, Bayern Munich, who are running out of options in their bid to replace the departed duo of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, could be dealt a huge blow. The former has already retired from football while Ribery is now a free agent.
Both of these wingers played a key role in the club’s success in the past decade. Hence, replacing them could be a challenge for the Bavarians. Chelsea youngster Hudson-Odoi, in that regard, might not have been a bad choice for Bayern Munich.
Despite his lack of experience in senior football, the England sensation can provide the energy as well as the dynamism in the final third that could have tuned in well with Niko Kovac’s aggressive and direct style of football.
As for Chelsea, they will be delighted if they can manage to keep hold of Hudson-Odoi this summer and beyond. The 18-year-old is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in England and could go a long way in filling the colossal gap left by Eden Hazard. The Belgian international joined Real Madrid as part of their massive squad overhaul in the ongoing summer transfer window.
It is also fair to point out that Chelsea manager Lampard will be boosted by the addition of Christian Pulisic as well while Tammy Abraham is expected to remain at Stamford Bridge after a productive spell at Aston Villa last term.
These three young guns could provide a new lease of life for the Chelsea attack that appeared hugely over reliant on the services of Hazard, with ageing superstars such as Olivier Giroud, Gonzalo Higuain, Pedro and Willian faltering last season.
Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see if Bayern Munich make any last-ditch effort to lure the youngster away from Chelsea. Otherwise, they Bavarians certainly need to double their efforts to sign Leroy Sane, if they are to fix their offensive woes next season.
