Callum Hudson-Odoi submits transfer request to leave Chelsea in January — reports

As so it has come to this. After weeks of rumors and exit links, mostly to Bayern Munich, Callum Hudson-Odoi has reportedly (Goal, ESPN, etc) submitted a transfer request to Chelsea.

Chelsea had been adamant that the 18-year-old will not be allowed to leave during the winter transfer window (and use the next few months to convince him to stay), but his official request could change the club’s stance, especially if Bayern continue to up their bid, which has reportedly reached €40m this weekend.

The request comes just hours after Chelsea’s Instagram account built-up hype for Sunday’s FA Cup match, which is set to feature both Hudson-Odoi and new signing center forward Gonzalo Higuían. Alas, Chelsea’s charm offensive seems to have arrived too late.

Hudson-Odoi has been promised playing time and stardom at Bayern, though he may be in for a rude awakening if/when he does get there.

Of course, a transfer request is no guarantee of a transfer. Chelsea wouldn’t be the first team in history to deny such a request, though in most cases, the requested transfer eventually does go through, often at less ideal terms for the club (see, for example: John Stones).

Selling Hudson-Odoi would be an unfortunate, though not unexpected outcome. The €40m offered by Bayern isn’t terrible, though it would be better if it had a buyback clause.