“What a player” – Boehly let Chelsea ace go for £3m, now he’s similar to a £100m star
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Under Todd Boehly’s ownership, Chelsea have shown no hesitation in spending big, with a staggering £1.2 billion invested in new signings aimed at propelling the club back to the top of the Premier League. This substantial investment has strengthened every area of the squad, and new manager Enzo Maresca is already reaping the benefits this season.
Maresca currently commands one of the most formidable front lines in the league, featuring standout performers like Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, who have contributed to 12 and nine league goals respectively. Summer signings Pedro Neto and Jason Sancho have also bolstered Chelsea’s firepower, offering versatility whether starting or coming off the bench—a long-desired boost for the club’s attacking options.
Despite the influx of talent, Chelsea narrowly missed out on another high-profile signing during the summer transfer window.
Chelsea’s pursuit of a £100 million talent last summer
In typical Chelsea fashion, the club made waves in the recent transfer window, expressing interest in Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon. The 23-year-old winger, coming off a season with 22 goal contributions under Eddie Howe, was highly sought-after, with Liverpool also in contention. Gordon’s stellar season earned him a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024, raising his profile even further.
However, despite Chelsea’s interest, Gordon remained at Newcastle, rewarded with a new contract in recognition of his impressive form. Howe’s side demanded an eye-watering £100 million for the young Englishman—a price Chelsea ultimately chose not to meet, despite his prolific record in attack.
The former Chelsea player likened to Anthony Gordon
In hindsight, Chelsea’s decision to sell Callum Hudson-Odoi for just £3 million to Nottingham Forest might seem like a misstep. The 23-year-old Cobham graduate, once tipped for greatness at Chelsea, struggled with injuries that disrupted his time in the first team. Hudson-Odoi’s move to Nottingham Forest in 2023 has since allowed him to flourish, registering nine goals in 44 appearances and drawing comparisons to Newcastle’s Gordon.
According to FBref, Hudson-Odoi’s statistics from this season—such as progressive passes, carries, and nearly double the successful take-ons—reflect his development and reveal a striking similarity to Gordon.
Chelsea’s choice to part ways with Hudson-Odoi at a modest £3 million now seems short-sighted, given his progress and the substantial savings he could have represented. With his rising performances, Hudson-Odoi might have filled Chelsea’s need for a high-caliber winger, avoiding the need for a costly new signing.
Looking back, Boehly’s decision to let Hudson-Odoi go may have been premature, as his evolution with Nottingham Forest suggests Chelsea missed an opportunity to retain their own emerging star.
