In an alternate universe, Callum Hudson-Odoi would be preparing to play for Bayern Munich in their Champions League match against Manchester United on Wednesday. Instead, the former Chelsea winger was in action for Nottingham Forest’s clash against Burnley last night.
Hudson-Odoi was once dubbed one of the great hopes of English football. So much so that, at the age of 18, Bayern made him their top target for the 2019 January transfer window.
He was the subject of multiple offers from the German giants but Chelsea maintained he was not for sale. Just a couple of months later he ruptured his Achilles tendon which saw him miss a large chunk of action.
Injury problems continued to hamper his time at Stamford Bridge, with a string of separate issues. Bayern weren’t prepared to give up though and reportedly again attempted to sign Hudson-Odoi in October 2020.
It was claimed at the time that Chelsea received a loan offer from Bayern, with an option to buy set at £70m. The Blues again rejected the proposal.
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But Hudson-Odoi’s fitness issues continued to harm his chances of forging a successful career at his boyhood club. He fell out of favour under Thomas Tuchel and was loaned to Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
This time Bayern didn’t return despite being able to see him up close in German football. Hudson-Odoi returned to Chelsea in July with his future up in the air.
It was clear Mauricio Pochettino did not view him as part of his plans moving forward. A transfer to Serie A was rumoured, while Fulham held extensive talks over a potential deal.
Deadline day arrived and Hudson-Odoi still hadn’t put pen to paper with a new club. But Nottingham Forest had struck an agreement with Chelsea and the transfer was completed before the 11pm deadline.
Forest will pay Chelsea a fee of just £3m with a potential £2m in add-ons – a far cry from what Bayern were prepared to pay three years ago. Hudson-Odoi doesn’t turn 23 until November, so still has time on his side.
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He believes it was the right decision to leave Chelsea and is hoping the City Ground is the perfect place to rejuvenate his career. He told the Telegraph: “Chelsea has been my home for a very long time and knowing it was time to go was emotional.
“It was difficult, we had conversations but I thought it was best if I leave. It was a mutual agreement, but I’d say it was more my decision.
“Forest is the right place for me to excel in my football, and do more than I probably could at Chelsea. I want to be playing as much as possible.”
Hudson-Odoi is now fully fit and must focus on performing for Forest. But it would only be human for some part of him to think he could have been lining up against United at the Allianz Arena tomorrow.
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