What to make of Bayern’s pursuit of Callum Hudson-Odoi?
By Harvey Cruz
Bayern Munich are in need of a squad overhaul. Rumors have swirled of a bid for Chelsea wonderkid Callum Hudson-Odoi, but should they pursue him?
Callum Hudson-Odoi is the latest in a long line of highly-touted youth products. He’s also likely to be the latest to leave the club in search of playing time.
The 18-year-old winger has been a regular in the Europa League under Maurizio Sarri this season, and started against Tottenham in the League Cup on Tuesday. But with Bayern Munich reportedly interested, it seems Hudson-Odoi may not stay at Stamford Bridge much longer.
Why have Chelsea allowed this to happen?
Hudson-Odoi is a big talent with pace, dribbling ability and an eye for goal. It was a shock to see him start in the League Cup semifinal. Whether he got the nod due to his talent or because Chelsea are trying to persuade him to stay, it was a sign of the regard he’s held in.
“He is ready. Of course we have very important players in the same position. You want Willian on the bench? Pedro? I can play with only two wingers”, Sarri said. “I think now I can start to consider him on the same level.”
That might be a sign the teenager has a future at Chelsea, or it might be a sign the club are scrambling in the face of Bayern’s interest.
Chelsea have a long history of failing to provide their academy products with first-team opportunities, even the ones who seem like upgrades on what they’ve already got. And with the Blues’ recent signing of Christian Pulisic, who will presumably also play on the wing for Sarri, it’s hard to see Hudson-Odoi’s path to a starting role.
Chelsea have an enormous squad, sending many talents out on loan. Sending Hudson-Odoi out on loan this January could keep him happy, while also keeping the club satisfied in the long-term. But with only 18 months left on his current contract, the Englishman could see the present as his best chance to find a new future with a new club.
dark. Next. The 20 biggest egos in soccer
What do Bayern Munich see in Hudson-Odoi?
In Hudson-Odoi, Bayern see a wonderkid who could help them transition as they overhaul their squad. They’ve already secured the services of young defender Benjamin Pavard from Stuttgart as both Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng are getting older. Bayern have even launched a $45 million dollar bid to lure Hudson-Odoi to Germany, meeting Chelsea’s asking price.
In addition, the aging pair of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben are heading out of the club, meaning Bayern will have to replace them. The club has even gone far enough to give their number 10 jersey to Hudson-Odoi, an attractive move. Adding the young winger would be a great piece of business, as Kingsley Coman is constantly injured and Serge Gnabry isn’t overly impressing.
Bayern will only have to look up and realize the luck Borussia Dortmund are having as they lead the Bundesliga. Dortmund have their own young sensation in Jadon Sancho.
The only losers in this transfers would be Chelsea, and they would only have themselves to blame.