Real Madrid and FC Barcelona join Bayern Munich in Callum Hudson-Odoi sweepstakes

Bayern Munich’s pursuit of Chelsea starlet Callum Hudson-Odoi has been one of the longest ongoing transfer sagas of the past three months. Now, with Chelsea facing pressure to use the player more frequently, other potential suitors are keeping an eye on the 18-year-old.

Per a story by The Express, both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly scouting the prodigious talent, who has opened eyes with his stunning performances for both club and country.

Bayern Munich tried to acquire the England international’s services in the January transfer window. The German champions tabled a total of four bids for the 18-year-old, one of which was in excess of £35million. Chelsea were steadfast in their refusal to sell Hudson-Odoi from the outset and stood firm even after he handed in a transfer request.

Bayern are still keen on signing the youngster and will renew their interest in him in the summer. It’s been reported that Real Madrid and Barcelona are also monitoring Hudson-Odoi’s situation at Stamford Bridge.

Former Bayern player Giovanni Elber gave his thoughts on Hudson-Odoi to Goal.com (as captured by The Express):

We can only know if Hudson-Odoi is suitable for Bayern after his signing. However, Bayern need to be cautious when signing new players. The current transfer market is indeed the case, €5 million cannot buy the players you want. If Bayern don’t make the call, maybe Real Madrid and Barcelona will.

For what it is worth, Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri seems to be warming to the idea that he has to make Hudson-Odoi happy.

At the beginning of the season, Hudson-Odoi had a very great potential but wasn’t ready to play in the Premier League. (Ruben) Loftus-Cheek was the same. Loftus-Cheek had only to adapt to my football, to improve tactically for my football. Then he had a lot of problems with his back and so we had to wait for him. But now they are fresh, they are ready. They are improving so in this moment of the season they are fresh. I think that in this moment they are really very important for us.

Hudson-Odoi has featured in Chelsea’s last two matches, where he has played 90 minutes against Brighton & Hove Albion and 85 minutes against West Ham United. Hudson-Odoi picked up an assist against Brighton & Hove Albion and has five goals and five assists across 19 first team competitions this season.

The interest in Hudson-Odoi is not just limited to Bayern, Barcelona, and Real Madrid either. Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Manchester United, and Liverpool have all been loosely linked to the player who many feel will develop into a regular for England’s national team for years to come.