New Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has moved quickly to secure Callum Hudson-Odoi’s future, offering the youngster a new contract after he impressed in pre-season, according to Goal.
The former Napoli manager has agreed to promote the 17-year-old to his first team squad, as well as offering the player a new five year contract.
The report states that Blues assistant manager Gianfranco Zola has been key in the club’s attempts to keep the player, who is currently considering the offer.
The news comes after Hudson-Odoi’s electric display in a friendly against Perth Glory on Monday, where he provided the assist for Pedro to score the game’s only goal.
Europe’s footballing royalty have been linked with the player in recent times, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Monaco and Villarreal all keen on poaching the teenager.
Good move for Chelsea?
Undoubtedly. Young players have been ignored at Stamford Bridge for far too long, despite the club having one of the country’s most successful youth programmes. Youngsters are often carted off on loan by Blues bosses, so it’s refreshing to see Sarri willing to call Hudson-Odoi up to the first team. The 17-year-old is a fantastic prospect who could go on to be a key player for the club, so to let him leave would’ve been criminal. Perhaps times are changing under the new boss. Fans would love him to get a chance next season and this could be a good sign their wishes are going to be met.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
That’s entirely up to the player. The report said Hudson-Odoi was considering the club’s offer so it doesn’t sound like it’s an automatic yes. However, a five year deal and a spot in the first team should be too good to resist for the young man. He’ll want assurances and maybe some that Sarri won’t be able to make, but it’s a great deal for the youngster.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10