Jamie Carragher urges Callum Hudson-Odoi to decline new Chelsea contract

Liverpool legend-turned-pundit Jamie Carragher has urged Callum Hudson-Odoi to turn down a new Chelsea contract at the current point of time. The England international will be entering the final year of his deal during the summer, and Carragher believes the same should be used as a leverage to secure more gametime with the Blues.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said that Hudson-Odoi should not rush to commit his future to the west London giants, considering he has recently earned a regular role in the Premier League. He added that the Blues graduate should extend the contract standoff until the forthcoming season to find out whether he remains an important figure at the club.

He said: “If I was Hudson-Odoi, I wouldn’t sign. He’s in a strong position. I wouldn’t sign to get more money or cause drama. He wants to play and I love the courage he's shown. Youngsters sign big long contracts and you wonder, where the career is going but he’s willing to say, “I want to go”. I would use the last year of my contract as leverage. He wants to play and he wants to show Chelsea what he can do. I’ve got great respect with what this lad is doing.”

Chelsea are currently under a transfer embargo for the next two transfer windows and this has spread speculation that they could risk Hudson-Odoi for the final year of his contract, considering Eden Hazard could be on the move. In such a case, it could be worthwhile for the attacker to prolong the contract discussions while figuring out whether he remains a constant presence for the Premier League duties.

The Blues are presently just outside of the Champions League positions on goal difference, but they have played a game more than fourth-placed Arsenal. They are scheduled to face Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.