Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports
Topics: Nottingham Forest, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Chelsea, Burnley
Josh Lawless
Topics: Nottingham Forest, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Chelsea, Burnley
Callum Hudson-Odoi opened his account for Nottingham Forest with a stunning debut strike against Burnley.
Zeki Amdouni put the visitors ahead in the first half at the City Ground but Forest upped the ante in the second half and the equaliser came courtesy of debutant Hudson-Odoi.
The former Chelsea man cut in from the left flank and unleashed an unstoppable effort that cannoned in off the far post, leaving James Trafford completely helpless.
It was his first goal in the Premier League since October 2021 and sees him make a dream start to life at his new employers.
There were brief doubts about whether the goal would stand after a VAR check looked at whether Taiwo Awoniyi had handled the ball in the build-up, but the superb strike stood.
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Hudson-Odoi was tipped for big things a few years ago after coming through the ranks at Chelsea and working his way into the first-team under Maurizio Sarri in 2018.
He was handed his England debut as an 18-year-old by Gareth Southgate and was a top target for Bayern Munich, who tabled a £35 million offer.
The winger did end up in the Bundesliga but with Bayer Leverkusen, who took him on loan last season.
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But with no future at Chelsea, the 22-year-old signed for Forest on transfer deadline day - penning a three-year deal.
Forest paid a mere £3 million for his services, with a further £2 million due if certain add-ons are met.
Hudson-Odoi played under manager Steve Cooper with the England Under 17's, winning the World Cup six years ago.
"Chelsea has been my home for a very long time and knowing it was time to go was emotional,” he told The Telegraph on his switch.
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“It was difficult, we had conversations but I thought it was best if I leave. It was a mutual agreement, but I’d say it was more my decision.
“Forest is the right place for me to excel in my football, and do more than I probably could at Chelsea. I want to be playing as much as possible.”
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