Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has expressed his desire to keep hold of Chelsea loanee Callum Hudson-Odoi past the January transfer window.
The Blues have the option to recall Hudson-Odoi back to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window, with Graham Potter and Todd Boehly yet to make that decision. The 22-year-old was allowed to leave Chelsea in the summer to join the Bundesliga outfit on a season-long loan, registering two goal contributions in 15 appearances for Leverkusen since.
Despite not possessing the most impressive numbers, Alonso has liked what he has seen from the 22-year-old since becoming Leverkusen boss at the start of October. Leverkusen have no option to buy the English winger, but they are keen to keep hold of him, with reports suggesting that the Blues are considering recalling him in January.
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Alonso was quoted by Manuel Veth, saying: "I want to keep him a lot. I am sure that he will stay until the end of the season.
"He is an important player for us," the Bayer Leverkusen manager added. The German outfit endured a poor start to the season but have turned their form around under the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder, and they have won their last three games in the league.
These comments came after Hudson Odoi got a goal and an assist in a 3-0 friendly win over St Louis this week.
The Blues have struggled in attack throughout the 2022/23 campaign and could look to recall Hudson-Odoi in January to bolster Graham Potter's attacking options. Potter is renowned for developing talented youngsters into better players, and he could do the same with the 22-year-old winger should he be recalled mid-season.
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