UPDATE: Chelsea unwilling to loan or sell Callum Hudson-Odoi despite Bayern interest

UPDATE: Chelsea not interested in dealing CHO

Good news! This year’s installment of the Callum Hudson-Odoi transfer saga has (we hope) come to a premature — and by that I mean timely — end: Kerry Hau reports that Chelsea has no intention of letting Hudson-Odoi leave, whether by purchase or loan.

FC Bayern confirms: Sané’s right knee is affected, which was operated on after his ACL tear in 2019. Out approximately 4 weeks. That is not the only reason why Flick wants another winger. Hudson-Odoi, however, is unlikely. Chelsea does not want to sell or loan him out.

Per a report by Sky, Bayern Munich have reignited their interest in Chelsea FC winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, with the England international reportedly pushing for an exit. Hudson-Odoi was heavily linked with the quadruple winners back in January 2019 and had even agreed personal terms with the club (The Athletic). However, the deal ultimately fell through as the two clubs failed to reach an agreement over a transfer fee. The saga eventually ended with Hudson-Odoi signing a contract extension with the Blues at the start of season 2019/20.

Since then, Chelsea have splurged more than €200 million on attacking reinforcements, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz being two of the big names to have made a switch to the English club this summer. As a result, Hudson-Odoi now finds himself competing with star players like Werner, Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount, Havertz, and Hakim Ziyech for a place in Frank Lampard’s starting XI. Moreover, the London native has received just one start since the restart of football in March 2020.

According to Sky, Hudson-Odoi can still imagine making a switch to Bayern. The 19-year-old has allegedly felt the much-needed “trust” from German giants and believes that a move to Munich will help him in his development as a player. It has also been reported that the reigning European champions have revived their long-term interest in the player and are looking for a loan arrangement, with an option to buy.

BFW analysis

If the mutual interest between Hudson-Odoi and Bayern is indeed serious, a loan deal could turn out to be a great move for both parties.

Bayern have been actively looking to add a fourth winger, following the departures of loanees Ivan Perišić and Philippe Coutinho. CHO’s playing style and technical finesse would make him a suitable addition to coach Hansi Flick’s offense. Given this season’s tight schedule and Flick’s intensive playing-style, having a young player like CHO come off the bench will certainly help the team play with the same attacking intensity throughout the match and give the primary wingers enough recovery time.

Since Hudson-Odoi will be competing with Leroy Sané, Serge Gnabry and Kinglsey Coman, regular playing-time will be hard to come by at Bayern as well. However, if he has to choose between being a backup winger at Chelsea or at Bayern — the choice is easy. At Bayern, Hudson-Odoi will have the opportunity to represent the best club in the world, work with superhumans like Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Müller in training, and have a decent shot at winning three major trophies.