To say attacking reinforcements are essential at Manchester United this summer is an understatement.
As we head in to the final two fixtures of the 2024/2025 Premier League campaign, the 20-time champions have scored the second-lowest goals of any club outside the relegation zone; they’re currently tied with West Ham on 42, with Everton on 39 – although the later are three places above United in the table in 13th.
United’s £72 million centre-forward, Rasmus Hojlund, has contributed a measly five goals in 30 top-flight appearances this term, seemingly regressing from his maiden year in England, which saw him tally 10 in 30 outings.
INEOS begin targeting Chelsea graduate Callum Hudson-Odoi
Alas, the Reds have found themselves linked with a host of attackers in the build-up to the window opening next month, and the latest name to have been added to the shortlist may come as a surprise to the Old Trafford faithful.
According to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, INEOS’ transfer chiefs are ‘keeping an eye’ on Nottingham Forest star Callum Hudson-Odoi.
The winger is out of contract at the City Ground next summer, and while talks over a new deal remain ‘ongoing’, there appears to be a chance he could be sold in the coming months.
How Hudson-Odoi fared for the Blues
Hudson-Odoi spent 16 years with Chelsea before departing for the East Midlands outfit in 2023. His time as a Blue saw him win the Champions League in 2021, as well as the Europa League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Once considered one of the most exhilarating up-and-coming talents to break through Cobham academy, his senior Stamford Bridge tenure was plagued by injuries, and he consequently failed to really kick on or nail down a starting role.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2021/2022 | 15 | 1 | 3 |
| 2020/2021 | 23 | 2 | 5 |
| 2019/2020 | 22 | 1 | 5 |
| 2018/2019 | 10 | 0 | 1 |
| 2017/2018 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
*Hudson-Odoi’s Premier League statistics with Chelsea, as per Transfermarkt.
He spent a season on loan with Bayer Leverkusen in 2022/2023 but again struggled to stay fit. The three-capped England international – hailed as ‘fabulous’ by ex-manager Gareth Southgate – was sold upon his return to Chelsea.
Things have picked up for him in a Forest shirt, however. In his 68 appearances for the club, he has notched 13 goals and six assists. His sole contribution in a 1-0 win over Liverpool back in September marked the Trees’ first victory at Anfield since 1969, while he has since been influential in the side’s European quest.
