How Chelsea stopped Callum Hudson-Odoi from leaving last summer

This season has seen Callum Hudson-Odoi becoming a key player in the Blues squad under coach Thomas Tuchel.

Hudson-Odoi has been magnificent as a wing-back for the Blues this season.

However, the England international was close to leaving Chelsea during the recent summer transfer window over limited playing chances.

Hudson-Odoi, as part of his decision, was out to get more game time elsewhere, having struggled to get regular playing chances at Chelsea.

However, coach Tuchel has revealed in a recent statement how they were able to keep Hudson-Odoi at Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel, ahead of the Chelsea vs Malmo match in the UCL, said, “Listen, it was not that we wanted to have Hudson-Odoi out, and suddenly he stayed. We didn’t let him leave.”

The Blues manager revealed that Chelsea built a squad, and Callum was a piece in that puzzle.

Tuchel revealed that Hudson-Odoi thought maybe it was a tough one to get minutes, but it may be easier in another club, but it’s never certain.

“I told him straight when he asked for it that it was not possible, that we rely on him, and he accepts his role. There is still huge progress he can make within this group and within this club,” Tuchel added.