NOTTINGHAM FOREST STAR SET TO STAY

Nottingham Forest star Callum Hudson-Odoi will not push for a move away from the City Ground despite the interest of at least three clubs, some of which are Premier League rivals.

Nottingham Forest value the winger in excess of £40 million after an impressive season, scoring eight goals and helping the Trentside club survive relegation.

The club do not want to sell the 23-year-old, who is reportedly happy playing under manager Nuno Espirito Santo, where he is getting first-team football.

How did Hudson-Odoi fare last season?

Hudson-Odoi signed for the Garibaldi last summer from Chelsea for a fee of £5 million (add-ons included); he made an instant impact, scoring the equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Burnley at the City Ground.

After the former Chelsea winger’s debut goal, Hudson-Odoi struggled to find form while playing for previous manager Steve Cooper, not score or assist in seven games before the Welshmen was fired in December.

It wasn’t until Nuno Santo came in when Odoi started to find form, playing a crucial role in Forest’s survival, scoring seven goals and assisting once, playing in every game under the new manager.

In the Premier League, the 23-year-old played 29 times, scoring the second most goals for Forest last season with eight goals and picking up an assist in a season that helped return Odoi’s form after an injury-ridden previous couple of seasons.

Hudson-Odoi’s situation.

After an impressive season for Odoi, the Athletic (paywall) reported that at least three clubs have registered an interest in the winger, with some interest coming from the Premier League.

Forest may be in no rush to sell the winger, though, selling both Moussa Niakhate and Orel Mangala to French side Lyon for a combined £50m, which now means the Garibaldi are in line with Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR).

With the winger also happy to stay playing his trade at the City Ground, it could be difficult for the clubs interested in Hudson-Odoi to try and sway the winger from Forest.

With Odoi’s price tag and willingness to stay at Forest, where he has revitalised his career, it is more likely that Callum Hudson-Odoi could be a Forest player in the coming season.

Hudson-Odoi’s future

Hudson-Odoi appears to have a new home at Nottingham Forest. He has played his most consistent football since his injury at Chelsea and is finding his form in the Garibaldi red, but next season could be Hudson-Odoi’s big break.

Playing in his preferred position on the left under Nuno, we have seen more and more glimpses of Hudson-Odoi, who was seen as an exciting star at Chelsea.

With bursts of speed down the wing and cutting in onto his favoured right foot, he has been played to his strengths, and with more game time and confidence, we may see him reach his potential.

If Hudson-Odoi stays at Forest, with a full pre-season, we could see the winger shine more and reach the ceiling that was hoped for him when he was first breaking through at Chelsea.

It will be interesting to see if Forest can keep one of their star men in Hudson-Odoi, but signing the winger for less than £5 million and selling him for potentially £40 million or more could see the club gain a considerable profit.

2024-07-02T13:27:49Z dg43tfdfdgfd