According to Independent, Callum Hudson-Odoi is poised to sign a contract extension at Chelsea, just a few months after reportedly handing in a transfer request. It is now believed that the youngster is willing to commit his long-term future at Stamford Bridge by signing a new deal at the club.
The report claims that the contract extension will see Hudson-Odoi’s wages bumped to £100,000-per-week. For the moment, however, his current contract expires at the end of next season, and no paperwork has yet been signed in regards to the said deal.
Hudson-Odoi could play a key role for Chelsea next season
Penning a contract extension would be a smart move by Hudson-Odoi given Chelsea’s current situation in the attacking department. For starters, star forward Eden Hazard is nearing a move away from Stamford Bridge. The Belgian international is reportedly set to join former European champions Real Madrid. And his potential departure could leave a large gaping hole in the Chelsea attack.
Furthermore, the duo of Pedro and Willian’s involvement in Chelsea’s first team next season remains a doubt, amid growing uncertainties over Maurizio Sarri’s future at the club. And with both the attackers nearing the final phase of their respective careers, Hudson-Odoi could offer some much-needed youthful exuberance in the Blues attack next season.
How will Hudson-Odoi fit into the Chelsea attack?
Hazard’s imminent departure from Chelsea will pave the way for Hudson-Odoi to feature in his preferred left-wing slot in the attack, with Christian Pulisic starting on the opposite flank. The American international will join the club after the end of this month. And it will be interesting to see how he teams up with Hudson-Odoi in the final third.
Both of these players are blessed with immense pace and acceleration that could make Chelsea a real threat from the counter. But, while Pulisic’s game is mostly restricted to just dribbling and crossing, Hudson-Odoi’s ability to use his strength to hold-up the ball coupled with his vicious right foot arguably makes him better fitted to the physically astute nature of the Premier League.
However, a lot will depend on the fate of Sarri next season. And in the event of the Italian’s potential departure from the club, it will be interesting to see who Chelsea hires next season as it could have a massive impact on Hudson-Odoi’s progress in the coming years.
