Chelsea: 'Potter really likes' £120k-a-week star at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter ‘appreciates’ Callum Hudson-Odoi and he will ‘absolutely shine’ at Stamford Bridge after his Bayer Leverkusen loan comes to an end, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Potter was appointed as the Blues’ boss earlier this month, replacing the sacked Thomas Tuchel, but he is unable to call upon Hudson-Odoi for now.

Hudson-Odoi joined Bundesliga giants Leverkusen on loan for the remainder of the season after falling down the pecking order at Chelsea.

The 21-year-old has already made an impression in his new surroundings, making five appearances and claiming an assist.

It has emerged that Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly sanctioned Hudson-Odoi’s loan switch to Leverkusen but was unwilling to include an option to make the move permanent due to believing the winger has a bright future in west London.

The German side beat Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund – along with the likes of Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, West Ham United, Leicester City, Southampton and Everton – to the Blues’ academy product’s services.

It is understood that Hudson-Odoi asked former Chelsea chief Tuchel to allow him to go out on loan ahead of the transfer window slamming shut earlier this month due to being frustrated at a lack of game-time.

Phillips believes Potter is an admirer of Hudson-Odoi and also attempted to get a deal over the line during his Brighton & Hove Albion reign.

The journalist feels the wide-man could thrive in a role Raheem Sterling was deployed in during Chelsea’s Champions League group stage clash with Red Bull Salzburg.

Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: “Potter really likes Hudson-Odoi and tried to sign him at Brighton recently. It’s clear that he is a player that Potter appreciates.

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