Newly appointed Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has vowed to offer Callum Hudson-Odoi a prominent role at the club amid Bayern Munich speculations.
Callum Hudson-Odoi has received a major boost prior to the start of the new season as newly appointed Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has considered him as a vital part of his project – as reported by Metro. The youngster has struggled to find proper game-time at Chelsea and was linked with a move away from the club this summer.
“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. I will pay a lot of care and attention to Callum”, said Lampard.
Hudson Odoi’s current contract at Chelsea expires at the end of next season. But, the manager’s recent statements could potentially influence him to prolong his stay at Stamford Bridge. But, at the same time, this could serve as a huge blow for Bayern Munich.
The Bavarians were linked with a move for Hudson-Odoi since January as they prepare for life without Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery next season. The Chelsea youngster, in that regard, could have been a cost-effective option for a Bayern side, who have already invested a lot in their defence this summer, notably roping in Lucas Hernandez and world champion Benjamin Pavard.
However, missing out on Hudson-Odoi will likely force them to shift their attention towards a big fish. Nicolas Pepe, for one, could be the ideal choice for Niko Kovac.
As for Chelsea, they will be keen to keep hold of as many star players as they can after being sanctioned a nasty transfer ban by FIFA that has restricted them from signing any players in the next two windows. That means they will be able to sign new players only from next summer.
And having already lost star players in Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata, whose loan move was made permanent by Atletico Madrid, it could be imperative for the Blues to keep hold of Hudson-Odoi.
The 18-year-old featured in only ten Premier League games under Maurizio Sarri last season. But, he bags a lot of potential and is capable of fixing Chelsea’s attacking woes following the departure of Hazard. He could build a strong offensive partnership with Christian Pulisic, fresh from guiding his team to the Gold Cup final, only to lose to Mexico.
The USMNT star, much like Hudson-Odoi, has potential to improve and it will be interesting to see how Lampard, with minimal managerial experience prior to his appointment at Chelsea, manages to utilise the quality of these two wingers next season.
