Chelsea reportedly have the option to recall Callum Hudson-Odoi from his loan spell at Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen in January.
Hudson-Odoi, 21, joined Leverkusen on a season-long loan in August after struggling to break into Thomas Tuchel's side, starting just 11 Premier League games last season. Yet Chelsea are under new management following Graham Potter's appointment this month.
Hudson-Odoi has made a bright start to life in Germany, providing an assist on his debut against Freiburg and starting Leverkusen's last four fixtures - including two in the Champions League. The England international is yet to score for the German outfit.
As reported by Bild via Bulinews, Chelsea are allowed to recall Hudson-Odoi in January. It's claimed Potter is a fan of the winger and was interested in signing him for Brighton. Leverkusen would be forced to say goodbye to the player if Potter makes a move.
Hudson-Odoi is regarded as one of the best youngsters in English football after emerging from Chelsea's academy. The winger was part of their U18 side that won the Youth Cup in 2016 and 2017, and he helped England win the U17 World Cup in 2017.
Hudson-Odoi has already played more than 100 games for Chelsea and picked up winners' medals in the Champions League, Europa League, European Super Cup and Club World Cup. He has also reached four other major cup finals, including the FA Cup final twice.
Do you think Graham Potter will recall Callum Hudson-Odoi? Let us know in the comments below!
Chelsea gave Hudson-Odoi a new five-year contract - reportedly worth £120,000-a-week - in September 2019 to keep him on their books. Bayern Munich were among those interested in him and it's believed they offered £35million for his services in October 2020.
Yet Hudson-Odoi's career has stalled since his emergence. He has often played a supporting role at Stamford Bridge and joined Leverkusen to feature regularly. It's unlikely Potter would recall him unless he was going to flourish under the Chelsea boss.
Hudson-Odoi recently said: "The move to Germany is a really exciting thing for me, and I can also still play in the Champions League with Bayer Leverkusen. That combination is really attractive and I'm really curious about the club, the fans and the Bundesliga."
Leverkusen chief Simon Rolfes added: "We've signed a quick and assertive winger in Callum Hudson-Odoi. He has everything needed to help us immediately... Our attack gains another special component with him. We're very pleased this transfer has worked out."
Potter insisted he was happy with his squad on his appointment, which suggests he may not recall Hudson-Odoi. The new manager does have a reputation of working with younger players following his time at the University of Hull and Leeds Beckett University.
"I’m absolutely happy with the team, happy with the squad," Potter told reporters earlier this month. "The group has a lot of quality. And I’m looking forward over the next days and weeks getting to know them better and better."
