Bayern president distances team from Hudson-Odoi in current injury ‘phase’

Callum Hudson-Odoi has begun the long road to recovery from a ruptured Achilles after yesterday’s successful surgery. Even the most optimistic projections have him out for four months, though it would not be surprising if he were out for twice as long, especially once we consider all the physical and psychological issues that play into recovering from a major injury.

Complicating matters is Hudson-Odoi’s contract situation, which had taken a backseat to actual developments on the pitch — goals and trust and four consecutive starts in the Premier League! — but remains concerningly short-term, and set to expire in twelve months. Chelsea are reportedly readying a new offer (which we were going to do anyway), but tabloids claim Hudson-Odoi is no rush to sign it (which maintains the status quo). But if the 18-year-old still has designs on leaving soon, the injury will have definitely put a kink in those plans.

Bayern Munich had been driving hard for the kid’s signature, but president Uli Hoeneß is taking a more cautious approach thanks to the unfortunate recent developments.

Which Google translates to something like:

“I think we will continue to think about him. But in a phase in which he’s currently on the operating table, it makes no sense to make statements.”

-Uli Hoeneß, source: SPORTBILD via Google Translate

Basically, Bayern are waiting to see how the recovery progresses before committing large sums. That’s just business, which is all it is for them.

For Chelsea, it’s also family. So maybe that will play a part eventually in the negotiations — and hopefully before he can just leave for free (plus a pittance for training compensation) once the Bosman option opens in January.