Chelsea could make Callum Hudson-Odoi statement by selling Willian, says Jamie Redknapp
Paris Saint-Germain are interested in Willian on Deadline Day
Thursday 31 January 2019 12:09, UK
Jamie Redknapp thinks Chelsea could make a "real statement" by selling Willian and putting their faith in Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Paris Saint-Germain are planning to make a late Deadline Day bid for Willian, but Chelsea remain adamant the 30-year-old is not for sale.
Hudson-Odoi has struggled for first-team opportunities at Chelsea and Bayern Munich have tried to sign the 18-year-old, who has seen a transfer request rejected.
Hudson-Odoi was not even in the squad for Chelsea's 4-0 loss at Bournemouth on Wednesday, but Redknapp has suggested he should be given a chance.
"I am a big fan of Willian, but I get the feeling that Chelsea want to promote youth, which they have not done recently. They have a player in Hudson-Odoi who I think can go to the top," he said on Sky Sports News.
"It would be a real statement to him if they sold Willian and said 'we have a direct replacement, he's 18, and he can have a run in the team and play now'.
"Hudson-Odoi probably feels there isn't a pathway to the first team but if they sold Willian it would be a statement and would give him a chance.
"It is potentially a lot of money for Willian though and it's hard to find players of that quality, especially if Eden Hazard was to leave in the summer."
Hudson-Odoi is out of contract in June 2020 and Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri has said he is the "future of our club. He will be the future of English football".
