Todd Boehly seems prepared to do whatever it takes to trim down the Chelsea squad this summer, and Callum Hudson-Odoi is under the magnifying glass. The 22-year-old winger faces an increasingly uncertain future at Stamford Bridge, with his contract set to expire at the end of next season.
Hudson-Odoi featured just 14 times for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga last term, recording just one assist. The Cobham graduate struggled to make any sort of impact in the German top-flight and, with just 12-months remaining on his deal, the Blues are reportedly eager to cash in while they still can.
Mauricio Pochettino is already treated to a wealth of exciting options on the wing next season, with Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke, among others too, all competing for minutes. According to the Express, Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham are all thought to have enquired about Hudson-Odoi's availability, but neither have submitted an official bid.
With Chelsea hoping to find a resolution to the £15million-rated winger's future before the end of the summer transfer window, drastic action could be taken. According to London World, the Blues are considering whether or not to pay off Hudson-Odoi's contract, providing he agrees to halve his wages.
By doing so, Chelsea would pay the England international what he is owed for the remainder of his contract before then becoming a free agent. While the Blues would miss out of a fee for Hudson-Odoi, he'd be off the books and be given greater freedom to choose his next club.
The 22-year-old was once tipped by David Luiz to fill the shoes of Eden Hazard, who left for Real Madrid in 2021. Following the Blues' win over Arsenal in the Europa League final in Baku, Luiz joked that if Chelsea couldn't replace the Belgian with Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo then Hudson-Odoi would be his next option.
"Either Messi or Ronaldo," said the former Blues defender when asked by reporters who could replace Hazard. "I think if he goes I just wish him all the best.
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"He is a fantastic player, friend and guy. I've known him ever since he was here at so young. I am so happy for him because the world knows who Eden Hazard is.
"We have many (who could replace Hazard). Callum is great," added Luiz. "Callum has known this club since he was young and he has the talents to one day try to be like Eden.
"It is a new story for Callum. It didn't start so well because of the injury but it is time for him to improve in other sides (of his game)."
Unfortunately for Hudson-Odoi, it doesn't seem as if Chelsea will heed the advice of Luiz.
