Chelsea could recall Callum Hudson-Odoi from his loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen in January, according to reports in Germany.
Hudson-Odoi is due to spend the rest of the 2022-23 season in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. They signed him on loan from Chelsea late in August, providing him with his first platform away from his parent club.
So far, the winger has played three times in the Bundesliga, including two starts. There have also been two outings in the Champions League. From his appearances, he has already provided one assist, which came on his debut as a substitute in a defeat to Freiburg on September 3.
Chelsea will be hoping his spell in Germany can continue to be productive. After all, by the time it ends, he will be ready to enter the final year of his contract with the Blues.
Therefore, he will be at a critical stage of his Chelsea career next year. But it has now been revealed that there is a chance Hudson-Odoi could return ahead of schedule.
According to Sport Bild, Chelsea are considering activating a recall clause for Hudson-Odoi in January.
The report details how head coach Graham Potter wanted to sign the player for Brighton. However, the issue was that Chelsea would not sanction a permanent sale of the 21-year-old.
Brighton took Levi Colwill on loan from Chelsea this summer. Premier League rules prevented them from making any more loan additions from the same club, which is why Billy Gilmour’s move to the Amex Stadium, for instance, was a permanent one.
Potter has bigger plans for winger
Chelsea did not want to let that happen with Hudson-Odoi. However, there was an understanding of his need for more gametime. With that in mind, Bayer Leverkusen took their chance to sign him on temporary terms.
Several homegrown talents have thrived in the Bundesliga in recent years. Hudson-Odoi could follow suit if he sticks there, but Potter’s admiration is now complicating the situation.
Now, instead, Potter has the chance to work with Hudson-Odoi at Chelsea. Of course, the wide man’s exit was sanctioned when Thomas Tuchel was still in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Potter would have more space for Hudson-Odoi in his plans, though. Therefore, Bayer Leverkusen are now starting to get worried about losing the Englishman in January.
Only big promises should tempt Hudson-Odoi
The academy product may have a big decision to make about his immediate future within a few months.
He ought to consider what will be best for his development. The idea of returning to Chelsea to play for a coach with a reputation for helping talent progress may be appealing.
However, Hudson-Odoi’s career has stalled somewhat in recent years because of a lack of regular action. He needs this season to be one in which he has constant trust from a club.
Bayer Leverkusen are making good use of him so far. Therefore, he should seriously think about staying with them for the full season, even if Chelsea do give him a call.
In the long term, there could still be a chance for him to make it in west London, working under Potter. But in the coming months, he should only reverse his summer move if the new Chelsea boss can give him strong guarantees about how much he will feature.
And in all honesty, that still looks unlikely, despite how Potter rates Hudson-Odoi. Hence, there will be nothing wrong with maintaining his Bundesliga test for its full duration.
Whether Bayer Leverkusen remain in the Champions League by the new year is another factor to consider. But even if not, Hudson-Odoi can still get the development he needs there in the coming months.
Beyond then, the presence of Potter on the Stamford Bridge touchline may prove helpful
