Gab Marcotti explains Chelsea’s predicament with Callum Hudson-Odoi in light of Bayern Munich’s reported offer for the young forward.
LONDON — Chelsea are prepared to file a complaint against Bayern Munich to FIFA if evidence is found of an illegal approach to Callum Hudson-Odoi or his representatives, sources have confirmed to ESPN FC.
Bayern are awaiting a response from Chelsea to a fourth bid believed to be worth around £35 million for Hudson-Odoi, and a source told ESPN FC on Wednesday that the 18-year-old has no intention of signing a new contract.
Chelsea have been angered by the public nature of Bayern’s pursuit, with sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic confirming on Wednesday that the German giants “absolutely want to sign” Hudson-Odoi this month.
Such comments are against competition rules for Premier League clubs, but Salihamidzic’s words alone are not enough to fall foul of FIFA’s regulations.
There is widely-held suspicion at Chelsea that Bayern are coordinating their efforts with Hudson-Odoi’s camp to get him out of Stamford Bridge, though it is also accepted that accusations of “tapping up” are difficult to prove.
Chelsea remain desperate to keep Hudson-Odoi, and head coach Maurizio Sarri’s surprise decision to start him against Tottenham in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal on Tuesday was part of a broader club effort aimed at convincing the winger that his future lies at Stamford Bridge.
But after the match Antonio Rudiger revealed that Hudson-Odoi has asked him about his experiences in German football, and Bayern are increasingly confident that they will be able to complete a deal for the 18-year-old this month.
Hudson-Odoi’s contract expires in June 2020 and, as long as he remains unwilling to discuss an extension, Chelsea are mindful that his value will likely decrease significantly if he is kept at Stamford Bridge until the summer.
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