It had been all calm and quiet on the Callum Hudson-Odoi front in recent days, perhaps as a result of everyone focusing on Gonzalo Higuaín instead. But now that’s been dealt with, so the rumor mill can shine the spotlight on the Chelsea Academy product once again.
According to the Daily Mail, Bayern Munich have not given up on CHO this January and are “ready” upgrade their bid from £35m to £40m in a new attempt to persuade Chelsea to sell now instead of the summer.
Bayern Munich return with £40m bid for Chelsea starlet Callum Hudson-Odoi... as RB Leipzig join race with £20m offer plus a buy-back clause https://t.co/t0ffEv6COy pic.twitter.com/FDbzvHkSpy
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) January 26, 2019
But that might not be the most interesting part of the Mail’s story. RB Leipzig have apparently entered the race as well, and while they are offering only half of Bayern’s expected new bid, they are are also willing to include a buyback clause.
Chelsea have been adamant that the kid isn’t going anywhere this January, and that is unlikely to change even if Bayern throw another £5m at the problem. The buyback clause is a much more enticing proposition, though Chelsea surely will prefer to have Hudson-Odoi sign a new contract now rather than having to buy him back a few years down the line.
While it’s understandable that Callum would be swayed by the promises from a youth-obsessed Bundesliga, there would still be no guarantees of playing time. Meanwhile, Chelsea are hoping that the next six months of opportunities and minutes will convince him to stay at Chelsea instead.
It’s a risky move either way, but it’s the best option we have in this situation.