Paul Merson has backed Callum Hudson-Odoi to flourish after leaving Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea for Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest in the summer transfer window.
The former Arsenal star has said on Sky Sports News (12:18pm, September 2, 2023) that Callum Hudson-Odoi made the right decision in leaving Chelsea for Nottingham Forest.
The 22-year-old winger moved to the Reds from the Blues in the summer of 2023.
Hudson-Odoi had been on the books of Chelsea since 2007 and had come through the London club’s academy.
Former Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison has also backed Hudson-Odoi, who can operate as an attacking midfielder as well, to be successful at the City Ground.
Callum Hudson-Odoi backed to succeed at Nottingham Forest after Chelsea exit
Morrison said: “The money that they paid for Hudson-Odoi, he would be a good signing.”
Merson said: “It’s a good move for him. At Chelsea, you kick off, Stamford Bridge, 10 men sit behind the ball, it’s not a lot of room for wingers.
“You get doubled up. You don’t get the ball. At Forest, people will have a go at Forest.
“He will get isolated with the full-back, one on one.
“He is a good player. Needs confidence. That would be a good signing for them.”
Callum Hudson-Odoi did show a lot of promise early on and was once linked with Bayern Munich.
However, the 22-year-old could not always keep his place in the Chelsea starting lineup and was sent on loan to Bayer Leverkusen last season.
The English winger did not have a particularly good time at Bayern.
Nottingham Forest are a big club who are aiming to become regulars in the Premier League.
This is Forest’s second successive season in the Premier League.
Hudson-Odoi could flourish at the City Ground if he plays regularly and is shown patience.
The winger has made 72 appearances in the Premier League so far in his career.
Hudson-Odoi has scored four goals and given 11 assists in those games.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
