Why are Chelsea blocking a loan for Hudson-Odoi?
Robin Bairner
- 30 Aug 2021 19:36 BST
- 3 min read
Callum Hudson-Odoi wants to leave Chelsea via a loan deal this summer, but it is a transfer that is being blocked by the club.
Chelsea might only have signed Romelu Lukaku, but they are set to go into transfer deadline day still hoping to add Jules Kounde of Sevilla and Saul of Atletico Madrid.
There is, however, uncertainty over what might occur on the final day of the window and that has had an impact on Hudson-Odoi’s future.
Borussia Dortmund and Leicester have both been interested in the 20-year-old wide player, but he may be forced to stay put at the Stamford Bridge club’s demand.
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Goal reports that Hudson-Odoi’s future is connected to that of Kounde. Although the Sevilla player is typically a centre-back, he is capable of playing on the right of defence, a role that the Englishman can also play in a pinch.
Should Thomas Tuchel fail to secure the France international, Hudson-Odoi is needed to provide cover in the right wing-back role.
He is not the only Chelsea player affected by this deal, though. Wales star Ethan Ampadu could be forced to remain at the club if Kounde does not arrive as he would provide cover in the centre of defence.
Similarly, Ruben Loftus-Cheek will only depart if Saul signs. After spending last season on loan at Fulham, he could be a back-up option for the Blues.
These players have been promoted in Chelsea’s thinking this summer because they have moved to sell so many fringe players.
Tammy Abraham, Kurt Zouma, Fikayo Tomori, Davide Zappacosta and Victor Moses are some of the senior players to have been moved on, while academy graduates such as Billy Gilmour, Marc Guehi and Connor Gallagher are also playing elsewhere.
Chelsea feel that they need the depth that the likes of Hudson-Odoi, Ampadu and Loftus-Cheek can provide.
