Nigel James – the father of Reece James – has stated that Callum Hudson-Odoi is the best talent to ever emerge from Chelsea’s academy.
The Chelsea No.24’s dad made the comments when speaking on The Beautiful Game Podcast.
So, what was said about Callum Hudson-Odoi? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, James Senior said the England international is “100%” the best talent he has ever seen come out of Chelsea’s youth ranks.
The entire podcast is not available to watch just yet, but in a preview posted by The Beautiful Game Podcast, he said: “He’d take on players and turn them inside out. If Callum played on the team, we basically said we’d won. 100%. 100%. 100% (when asked if he’s the best talent Chelsea have produced).”
We’d like to hear what Nigel’s own son thinks of that!
Despite the fact Hudson-Odoi’s career has stalled somewhat, there is no denying the fact that he is a remarkable footballer.
That was emphasised by the fact Bayern Munich made a £35m bid for the Wandsworth-born winger when he was just 18 years of age, and made four offers in total back in 2019 as detailed by The Times.
The German giants don’t just bid for anybody, so that pursuit spoke volumes about Hudson-Odoi’s ability.
Now, however, the 22-year-old could be leaving Chelsea.
Callum Hudson-Odoi wants to leave Chelsea
After a quiet loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen last season, Hudson-Odoi wants to leave Chelsea in search of regular first-team football, as he feels pessimistic about his chances of getting action under Mauricio Pochettino.
That is according to The Athletic.
Crystal Palace, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and AC Milan are all interested in signing Hudson-Odoi, so he certainly isn’t short of options.
Be sure to keep an eye on the Chelsea academy graduate’s situation, as his time at Stamford Bridge looks set to be coming to an end.