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Callum Hudson-Odoi signs five-year deal at Chelsea to end Bayern Munich speculation

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea signs a new 5 year contract at Stamford Bridge on September 19, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea signs a new 5 year contract at Stamford Bridge on September 19, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Callum Hudson-Odoi has signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea.

The 18-year-old is now committed to the club until at least 2024, something that did not look likely at the turn of the year.

Bayern Munich were keen to sign the teenager and with opportunities at a premium under Maurizio Sarri, Hudson-Odoi was more than open to a move to Germany.

But Chelsea did not let him go and in 24 appearances in the 2018/2019 season, he showed he belonged at the top level.

A combination of Sarri’s departure, Frank Lampard’s appointment and the transfer ban Chelsea are under further enhanced his prospects, although the truth is Hudson-Odoi is likely to be a regular on merit when he returns from injury.

He told Chelsea’s official website: “It’s an amazing feeling. It’s been a long wait but it’s done now and I’m really happy about that.”

Hudson-Odoi’s emergence also saw him become Chelsea’s youngest England international when he was capped for the Euro 2020 win over the Czech Republic.

He added: “I’ve been a Chelsea player since the age of eight and this is the right club for me to be at.

“I want to lift as many trophies as possible, win as many games as possible and contribute to as many goals I can as well.”

“As a team, we just want to work hard to achieve the best results we can. I’m delighted everything has been agreed and now I’m just looking forward to properly getting back.”

Hudson-Odoi, currently close to a return from an Achilles injury, has risen through the ranks at Chelsea since he first joined the club on schoolboy terms.

He scored in the finals of two consecutive FA Youth Cup triumphs, and went on to star in the World Cup-winning England Under-17 side.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: “Callum showed last season just what a thrilling talent he is.

“We are delighted he has committed to Chelsea and we are all excited about the prospect of seeing him continue to blossom in the years ahead.”