The Blues have convinced 18-year-old Callum Hudson-Odoi to stay at Stamford Bridge. According to reports, the young star has agreed to a five-year contract amounting to more than £100,000 a week.
The winger gave a transfer request last January after the Blues turned down a £35 million bid from a Bundesliga club. Bayern Munich have been keen on getting the youngster to sign but have been rejected twice.
The England winger was said to have been encouraged by Chelsea’s new boss, Frank Lampard, who have been vocal of having Hudson-Odoi stay.
Hudson-Odoi has been out since April after he busted his Achilles while playing against Burnley. He is recovering and has been rehabbing since. He will be hopefully deemed fit to play by the start of the season.
The negotiations have been a roller coaster as his agent cites “playing time” as one of the key problems for the young player. He made 24 appearances for then manager, Maurizio Sarri, netting the ball, five times. He had yet to make his first Premier League start after he made his debut for England.
Lampard, who is also a former Blue’s and England midfielder said that Hudson-Odoi can definitely make an impact for Chelsea.
“I am not going to say things that are pie in the sky but, with his talent, he can be central to this team, he can be central to England.
“He can show, right here at Chelsea, the team he came through the academy at, that he is going to be a world-class player – because I truly believe that.”
Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have already signed new contracts under Lampard.
However, as part of their negotiation, Hudson-Odoi’s agent wants the vacant number 10 jersey. The jersey number 10 was worn by Eden Hazard who departed for Real Madrid recently. The same number is being eyed by Brazilian star, Willian as part of his negotiations as well.
