Liverpool-linked Chelsea Youngster Hands In Transfer Request

Callum Hudson-Odoi has formally notified his club that he wants a move from Stamford Bridge.

If Chelsea intend to convince 18-year-old winger Callum Hudson-Odoi that his future lies at Stamford Bridge, their task may have gotten somewhat more difficult over the weekend. Hudson-Odoi has submitted a formal transfer request to Chelsea, making clear that the player wishes to force a move away before the transfer window closes during the coming week.

Hudson-Odoi has been the subject of intense focus by Bayern Munich, who thus far remain the clearest suitors for the youngster’s services, having submitted escalating bids now suspected to be in the range of £35m. With Chelsea refusing to budge, an even higher bid from Bayern is expected, which, coupled with the transfer request, could put the Premier League club under no small amount of pressure.

Liverpool were surprisingly linked to Hudson-Odoi by Bild, who reported that the Reds’ representatives had been in contact with the player’s people. Chelsea will no doubt be loath to sell to a Premier League rival, particularly one that recently managed to turn a profit off another former Chelsea player in Dominic Solanke. Which means that if Liverpool’s interest is concrete, it may come down to convincing the player that his opportunities are clearest on Merseyside rather than in Bavaria.

Jürgen Klopp is clearly not shy about using young talent, as evidenced in Ki-Jana Hoever’s recent debut for the first team, but the manager is equally clearly fond of his current forward options. The Bundesliga may represent a tantalizing opportunity for someone aiming to become another Jadon Sancho, and Bayern will have to grapple with an aging squad sooner rather than later.

All signs suggest that the Bavarians are in pole position here, but Liverpool are developing a habit of springing surprises in the transfer market, so it will be an interesting few days ahead.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com