Callum Hudson-Odoi completes Bayer Leverkusen loan move as Chelsea confirm recall option

Callum Hudson-Odoi has joined Bayer Leverkusen on a season-long loan, it has been confirmed. 

The 21-year-old departs Chelsea for the 2022/23 season in order to find regular minutes and heads to Germany which will see him play in the Bundesliga and Champions League. 

Hudson-Odoi’s loan switch was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon and the club have confirmed that an option to recall the England international in January is part of the deal. 

"The Cobham graduate moves to the Bundesliga for the rest of the campaign, having been an unused substitute in our last three Premier League fixtures. The Blues have the option to recall Callum in January," read the official Chelsea website.

He landed in Germany at the start of the week to finalise his move and undergo his medical, and he shared his ambitions for the season. 

Hudson-Odoi said: "Very happy to be here. Very good time, hopefully try to win a trophy here, we have a very good team.

"We want to get as far in the Champions League as possible and just enjoy it."

Hudson-Odoi spoke to Leverkusen following his arrival and revealed Kai Havertz's influence and words ahead of his loan move.

"The move to Germany is really exciting for me, and I can still play in the Champions League with Bayer 04 Leverkusen," said Hudson-Odoi.

"This combination is really attractive and I'm curious about the club, the fans and the Bundesliga. 

"Kai Havertz only told me good things about Bayer 04 in the Chelsea dressing room.”

Sporting director Simon Rolfes added: “In Callum Hudson-Odoi we have signed a fast and assertive winger. He has everything he needs to help us immediately.

"Callum has played well over 100 competitive games for Chelsea, proven himself in the Premier League and also in the Champions League. 

"With him, our attacking game gets another special component. 

"We are very happy that this transfer worked out."

He will wear the no.17 for Leverkusen, who are currently 13th in the Bundesliga, winning just one of their first four games of the 2022/23 league season.

If he doesn't return in January, Hudson-Odoi will return to Stamford Bridge next summer and both Thomas Tuchel and Hudson-Odoi will be hoping he has a successful stint in Germany this term to flourish and show his true quality.