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Banned former Tottenham Hotspur director of football Fabio Paratici is a big fan of Spurs' incoming goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

Who is Fabio Paratici?

The Italian was Tottenham's managing director of football but recently resigned from the role following a two-and-a-half-year ban from the game. The ban comes as a result of alleged financial mismanagement during his time at Juventus.

Initially only being banned from working within the Italian Football Federation, this punishment was extended to a global ban from football by FIFA in late March. Paratici quickly appealed this decision but his appeal was rejected.

Paratici resigned on April 21 following the loss of his appeal, which ended a nearly two-year relationship with the north London club. Meanwhile, his former club Juventus received a final 10-point deduction in Serie A, five points fewer than the original verdict.

Considering Paratici is banned from conducting any business relating to football, it may come as a surprise to learn that the former Spurs man was a big "admirer" of incoming Tottenham goalkeeper Vicario, according to journalist Alasdair Gold.

"From what I understand, having dug around a fair bit this week, our old friend Fabio Paratici was a big admirer of Vicario, along with [Leonardo] Gabbanini. And I actually understand that Paratici inquired about Vicario earlier in the season, spoke to those around the goalkeeper to just kind of see his availability for this summer."

"Lo and behold, here we are. The Paratici influence still there clearly. Also, Gabbanini – someone who would have bigged him up as well – and here we are at this stage".

Despite Paratici's departure and ban, his influence is arguably still significant in Spurs' transfer plans this summer, with many of the potential targets having been shortlisted while he was still at the club.

Are Tottenham signing Vicario?Spurs look incredibly close to signing the Empoli goalkeeper, with a fee of £17.2m enough to secure the 26-year-old's signature. Despite having never played for a traditionally 'big club' in Italy or being capped by the national team, Vicario has still earned plenty of plaudits for his impressive Serie A performances.

With an average Sofascore rating of 7.05 in the league last term, he helped Empoli finish a comfortable 12 points above the relegation zone last year.

Gold describes Vicario as a "very good 'keeper", meaning he can certainly help bolster a shaky defensive unit at Spurs. Hugo Lloris has come under criticism for some high-profile gaffes this season and has decided to leave north London in the summer.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Fenerbahce ace Arda Guler, as Mikel Arteta bids to bolster his squad this summer following a title-challenging season.

The talk of the Gunners’ transfer window so far has focused on the future of Declan Rice, however, Edu could be eyeing more than just one midfield upgrade ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

With Champions League football confirmed for next term, it’s integral that the north Londoners introduced reinforcements to remain on Manchester City’s tails and produce a fight among Europe’s greatest.

Hailed as the ‘Turkish Messi’ by local media in Turkey, relayed by talkSPORT, Arsenal could land a generational talent in Guler, with the Gunners leading the race according to Football Insider.

Transfer expert Pete O’Rourke claimed via the site that Arsenal had leapfrogged fellow Premier League side Newcastle United in the bid to secure the teenager's signature, adding that Arteta’s side are ‘seriously exploring’ a deal.

The 18-year-old penned a new deal with the Turkish giants last year, with a release clause of just €17.5m (£15m) included.

What could Arda Guler offer to Arsenal?

In 20 total appearances in the Super Lig this season, Guler has shone playing among seasoned professionals in Turkey at just 18 years of age.

In his breakthrough campaign, the Ankara-born gem contributed to seven goals, scoring four and assisting three in playing an average of 46 minutes per game, as per Sofascore.

Hailed as “magical” by members of the media, the teenager could blossom under the guidance of Arteta, who has thrived in nurturing his young side that went toe-to-toe with treble winners Manchester City last season.

While Guler was the standout performer for his side last term, as per Sofascore, Arsenal’s skipper Martin Odegaard was a dominant influence on the Gunners, as highlighted by being named the club’s player of the season.

Playing in the same role as the Norwegian, Arteta could teach the Turkish superstar a valuable lesson in the art of playing in the Premier League, potentially even unearthing his next version of Odegaard in the process.

There is evidence to suggest that the duo could form a formidable force in midfield, attributable to their creative exploits in their respective campaigns, with the 24-year-old skipper averaging 2.1 key passes per game, a rate almost identical to the Fenerbahce ace’s two.

Learning the ropes at Real Madrid at the tender age of 16, Arsenal’s captain could be the perfect mentor for the teenager with his fellow left-fotter in Guler breaking through at a similar age. However, the youngster could also return the favour by aiding the £120k-per-week wizard's game.

Lauded a “sensation” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the teenager could give Odegaard added creative freedom as conveyed through his assured presence on the ball.

As per Sofascore, Guler maintained a stellar pass completion rate of 85%, while creating seven big chances in his debut season in the Super Lig.

The two talents could fuse to bolster each other's game, for the greater good of the Gunners who could see their attacking midfield set for years to come.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou will be galvanised after reportedly taking the lead in the race to sign James Maddison from Leicester City this summer.

What's the latest on James Maddison to Tottenham?

According to The Guardian, Tottenham could be poised to bypass Newcastle United in the race for the England international following the Magpies' near-completion of the €80m (£68.5m) signing of AC Milan's Sandro Tonali.

Writing in his Caught Offside column, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano corroborated such claims and revealed that a bid from the Lilywhites is now imminent.

The journalist said: "The player is speaking to both sides but he knows Ange Postecoglou is pushing a lot to get things done. Tottenham are working hard and plan to submit a bid in the next days.

“On the fee, it will be discussed again in the next days but Leicester are looking for around £50m for the England international.”

Should Tottenham sign James Maddison?

Maddison's dynamic midfield ability has attracted the attention of many a thriving Premier League outfit over recent times, and despite the Foxes suffering the ignominy of relegation this year, the 26-year-old has remained an impressive and reliable playmaking ace.

Indeed, the "world-class" playmaker, as hailed by Dean Saunders, scored ten goals and supplied nine assists from just 28 league starts this past year, and has emerged from a disastrous campaign at the King Power Stadium with his merit intact.

His services would enhance any aspiring outfit on the European stage, and with Tottenham craving some inspiration and exuberance after finishing eighth this season, it is a move that must be concluded.

He would not only provide a fresh and first-rate dimension from the centre, but he would boost the fortunes of his prospective teammates, and one who might flourish is Richarlison, who has been indifferent in London since his £60m transfer from Everton a year ago.

The Brazilian has earned praise as a "warrior" by former Lilywhites boss Antonio Conte, but after scoring just three times in 35 appearances for Spurs, including just a solitary strike in the league, he has been harangued for his "toothless" performances by the likes of reporter Andrew Gaffney.

However, having flourished as a talisman for Everton over the past several seasons in scoring 53 goals from 152 outings and boasting an exemplary scoring record with Brazil – 20 goals from 44 matches, with one of his three strikes at the 2022 World Cup including a scintillating overhead effort that was dubbed "unstoppable" by writer Sacha Pisani – he could yet thrive for Tottenham.

The chances of an impressive campaign would surely be boosted with a superlative force in Maddison behind him, with the "magician" – as he has been called by Statman Dave – averaging 2.3 key passes per game in the top-flight last term, creating 12 big chances.

Indeed, the £110k-per-week Fox ranks among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers over the past year for assists, the top 13% for shot-creating actions and the top 15% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, underscoring his value as a creative star.

And while Richarlison has endured an inauspicious spell in front of the net of late, he still ranks among the top 12% of positional peers for touches in the attacking box and the top 18% for non-penalty xG per 90, with the latter metric meaning he has vastly underperformed in his expected goals tally, but from a positive outlook, is moving well and finding space and opportune moments.

Maddison would serve him success on a silver platter, and he is exactly the kind of all-encompassing midfielder the 26-year-old South American needs to finally ignite his career at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and further the club's ambitions as it commences its resurgence.

Celtic have scheduled discussions with Kyogo Furuhashi regarding a new contract extension at Parkhead, according to reports.

When did Kyogo Furuhashi join Celtic?

Furuhashi first arrived in the Scottish Premiership from Vissel Kobe back in July 2021 where he went on to become a regular feature of Ange Postecoglou’s first team making 83 appearances to date, but with the former boss having now left to join Tottenham Hotspur and Brendan Rodgers being back in charge, his future is up in the air.

The Japan international was the Hoops’ top-performing offensive player and indeed the division’s highest-goalscorer last season so was a standout star north of the border, and this form has already started to attract significant interest from the Premier League.

Crystal Palace have primarily been the side most linked with a summer swoop for the 28-year-old striker, but Spurs appear to have more recently entered the race to secure his services with Postecoglou eyeing a reunion in N17, and whilst that will be an attractive opportunity, the hierarchy are keen to stop him from leaving.

Is Furuhashi signing a new contract?

According to Football Insider, Celtic are set to hold “talks” with Furuhashi over a new deal when he returns from his current break in his homeland. The Glasgow outfit are “keen to tie down” their prized asset to a “new and improved agreement” in the hope of fending off outside attention, with the aim being to extend his contract that runs until 2025 by at least one more year.

Alongside Palace and Spurs, it’s reported that he’s also become a target for Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and several unnamed clubs in the Serie A and Bundesliga. Furuhashi was believed to be “stung” by Postecoglou’s exit, but it’s stated that he’s “happy” where he is and “won’t rush into any decision” in the weeks ahead.

Does Furuhashi deserve improved terms?

Celtic will recognise the hugely positive impact that Furuhashi has made since joining and also how much he’s appreciated by his teammates having been hailed “world-class” by Jota, so offering the centre-forward a new contract would be nothing less than he deserves.

The £19k-per-week earner clocked up a remarkable 26 goal contributions (23 goals and three assists) in 31 Scottish Premiership outings last season whilst recording 85 shots over the course of the campaign which was more than any other of his fellow peers, as per FBRef.

Furthermore, Furuhashi has not only helped the side secure five trophies following his arrival but he’s also been rewarded for his individual performances by being named the Hoops’ Player of the Year for 2022/23 so it’s clear to see how loved he is, making this a decision that the board shouldn’t even have to think twice about.

Leeds United are reportedly showing an interest in making an ambitious move to land RB Leipzig forward, Yussuf Poulsen, with the Elland Road outfit still yet to strengthen their ranks this summer ahead of their return to the Championship.

What are the latest Leeds transfer rumours?

According to journalist Simon Jones for The Mail+, newly-appointed boss Daniel Farke is keen to bolster his centre-forward ranks having been 'discussing' possible striker targets with the club in both Europe and South America.

As per the report, the 70-cap Denmark international is one of the options being considered by the Yorkshire giants, with the 29-year-old – who has spent the last decade with the Bundesliga outfit – having just a year left to run on his existing contract.

As the piece also notes, this search for a new number nine has come with Patrick Bamford seemingly 'ready to leave the club' after enduring an injury-hit last two seasons with the Whites.

Who is Yussuf Poulsen?

While as the above report states, the 6 foot 4 marksman is 'not prolific' – having scored just two league goals last season – he still boasts a wealth of experience for both club and country, having notably won two German Cups during his stint in Leipzig.

Having been part of his current club's rapid rise up through the divisions after joining from Danish side Lyngby in 2013, the towering hitman does boast a respectable tally of 85 goals and 63 assists in 358 games for the Bundesliga side, having also featured on the flanks at times over the years.

As the aforementioned Jones also stated, the major benefit of bringing Poulsen into the fold for Farke would be due to his hard-working nature, having been hailed as a "machine" by his current teammate, Willi Orban.

That willing work ethic has also led to the Copenhagen native receiving praise from former Leipzig boss Alexander Zorniger, who has previously stated: "He always pushes himself beyond his limits, and embodies dynamism, desire, and a willingness to learn. When he can't do anymore, that's when I know he has absolutely nothing left in the tank."

The same can seemingly not be said for Bamford, with the Englishman having repeatedly broken down with injury in recent times, ensuring that he made just 37 Premier League outings across the last two seasons combined – only 25 of which came from the start.

The apparent difference in work ethic between the 29-year-old and Poulsen is evidenced by the fact that the latter man notably ranks in the top 7% among his European peers for tackles made and aerial duels won, as well as in the top 6% for blocks made.

The current Leeds man, by contrast, does not appear to share that desire to defend from the front as he ranks in just the bottom 40% for tackles and only the top 42% for aerial duels won, as well as ranking in just the top 41% for blocks.

With Bamford also hardly proving prolific himself of late – with just six league goals to his name since the start of the 2021/22 campaign, fewer than the Dane has achieved (eight) – it does appear that a fresh start is needed, something that could be hastened by Poulsen's arrival.

As such, the signing of the £66k-per-week ace could no doubt spell bad news for Bamford's future at Elland Road…

Newcastle United are in pole position to sign Monaco defender Axel Disasi this summer, according to an update from reliable Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Who is Axel Disasi?

The £18,000-a-week centre-back has become an integral player for his current team, proving to be a dominant figure at the heart of their defence. Last season, he only failed to start one of Monaco's 38 Ligue 1 matches, even chipping in with three goals and assists in that time, showing that he can be a threat at the other end of the pitch, too.

Disasi's current deal still has two years remaining, and while his club may not be in a desperate rush to sell him, they may also realise that this summer could be the best opportunity to earn big money for his signature.

Newcastle are one of the clubs who are reportedly interested in signing the 25-year-old defender before the new Premier League season gets underway, and a promising update has now emerged when it comes to his potential move to St James' Park in the next few weeks.

Are Newcastle United signing Axel Disasi?

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg claimed that Newcastle are in pole position to snap up Disasi in the current transfer window, having held talks with him over a switch.

"Concrete talks between #NUFC & Monaco took place and are ongoing. Man Utd, also exploring a deal but #MUFC has to sell players first (Maguire). Newcastle in the lead at this stage. AS, waiting for concrete offers."

This is a great update for Newcastle supporters to hear, and the fact that they are seemingly ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Disasi says so much about the huge progress being made currently under Eddie Howe.

The Magpies were so impressive last season, qualifying for the Champions League, and playing in Europe's top club competition could be playing a massive part in their ability to entice top-quality players to the club.

Disasi, who football scout Jacek Kulig has hailed as "complete & dominant", while praising him for his pace, tackling, heading and athleticism, could be a fantastic addition to Newcastle's back-line, possibly coming in as Sven Botman's new long-term centre-back partner, relegating Fabian Schar to the substitutes bench more often in the process. That's through no fault of the latter, but he is now 31 years of age and Howe needs to be signing an upgrade on him, in order for the Magpies to reach another gear.

The Monaco man is now a four-cap France international, which is no mean feat, considering Les Bleus have a plethora of talented central defenders at their disposal, whether it be Raphael Varane, Ibrahima Konate or William Saliba, among others.

In 2022/23, Disasi averaged 2.9 clearances and 2.6 aerial duel wins per game in Ligue 1, highlighting his dominant style, and at 25 years of age, he appears to be at a sweet spot in his career where he has a lovely blend of both experience and plenty of years ahead of him in his peak years.

The key now is for Newcastle to be ruthless and get the deal over the line, holding off Man United and strengthening their chances of another successful season.

Everton’s summer finally starts to be shaping up after months of worry from the fanbase, however it is actually one player already in Sean Dyche’s camp that could prove to have the biggest effect on the squad next season.

How good is Jarrad Branthwaite?

Having joined from Carlisle in 2020, Jarrad Branthwaite quickly became well-known around the club as a pacey centre-back with a towering frame. He had all the physical qualities to thrive in the Premier League but remained raw. His sending-off against Brentford in 2022 emphasised that.

So, when a one-year loan to PSV Eindhoven was announced, it made perfect sense. The 21-year-old would enjoy a season in a highly technical league, and return ready to star.

That gamble seems to have now paid off.

A 6.97 average rating in the Eredivisie emphasises this, which is a figure buoyed by his 87% pass accuracy, 1.4 interceptions and 3.4 clearances per game, via Sofascore. The latter figure would have made him the fifth-best in that category when he compared against the Toffees’ squad from last term.

Journalist Paul Brown clearly took note of this rise to prominence in the Netherlands, and would tell Football FanCast exactly what fans have to look forward to come August: “Branthwaite is probably the closest they’ve got to someone who’s looking at a potential breakout year.

“It looks like he’s going to be in pretty solid form and [in the] centre-back rotation. We all saw last season that it only takes a couple of injuries for that position to need to be rotated quite a lot.”

How much did John Stones leave Everton for?

Given he was signed from the lower leagues of English football, rising up to within Everton’s first team, it is hard not to draw comparisons with the prior success earned with John Stones.

He too moved to Goodison Park from Barnsley and would go on to feature 95 times for the club before joining Manchester City in a £47.5m move.

Despite also being initially raw and prone to mistakes, the foundations were there for a truly great defender to be unearthed with the right teaching. Fortunately, that transfer saw him join up with Pep Guardiola, who has since forged him into one of the best in his position, even revolutionising the inverted full-back role.

As such, when compared against other centre-backs across Europe, the 29-year-old ranks in the top 4% for pass completion, the top 12% for progressive passes per 90 and the top 8% for progressive carries per 90, via FBref.

He has grown from a similar level to Branthwaite’s current position into the monster he is today, with his Spanish manager praising his development and adaptability: “He has this amazing quality to understand the game, to be calm, to read the next pass.

“He is more mature but he’s still young and it depends on him if he wants to become better. Hopefully he still has the desire to improve because there are many things to improve with and without the ball."

Under Dyche, who knows a thing or two about moulding a solid defence, this young colossus could now emulate that success, growing into a perfect partner for James Tarkowski with the perfect blend of physicality and technical excellence.

Last campaign afforded him the time to grow, and now is the time for him to take his chance with both hands and become the club’s next Stones with the “breakout year” that Brown envisions.

Fulham have made their first bid for Ajax defender Calvin Bassey, according to reports. The former Rangers starlet has also attracted interest from Brighton & Hove Albion, and is under contract in Amsterdam until 2027.

What's the latest on Fulham signing Calvin Bassey?

Swapping Rangers for Ajax last summer in a deal worth a reported £19.6m, Bassey could be on the move just a year later. Fulham have made a first bid of £15m for the 23-year-old, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, with Ajax yet to respond.

Given that they paid just under £20m for his signature last summer, unless the Dutch side are willing to take a loss on their initial investment, then it seems unlikely that they'd accept the Cottagers' opening bid.

Bassey made 25 appearances in the Eredivisie last season, as Ajax finished third in a campaign to forget, and their first since losing Erik ten Hag to Manchester United last summer.

Fulham, meanwhile, enjoyed a season to remember, finishing in the Premier League's top half, and spending the majority of the campaign chasing the European places.

Marco Silva will hope to welcome further additions this summer – perhaps including Bassey – as he looks to guide his side to even better things come August.

Should Fulham sign Calvin Bassey?

There's a reason why Ajax paid close to £20m for Bassey just last summer, and the quality that warranted such a move doesn't disappear in the space of 12 months despite their whole squad having a down year.

The stats show that the former Rangers man would instantly make an impact in Silva's backline. With the way the manager likes his side to play, asking them to build from the back, Bassey would slot straight in.

According to FBref, the Nigerian made 5.62 progressive passes per 90 – more than both Tim Ream and Issa Diop – perhaps allowing Fulham to unlock teams even better than last season.

Meanwhile, Bassey also lost fewer challenges, and won more tackles per 90 than the current Fulham centre-backs. The more that the Ajax man is looked at, the more it seems like the Cottagers simply have to seal a deal this summer.

Full of praise for Bassey, Don Hutchinson told the BBC after Rangers' Europa League heartbreak against Eintracht Frankfurt: "There were so many good performances. Bassey was a giant, a superstar, incredible performance."

It came as no surprise that Ajax made their move for the defender shortly after his display which, in truth, deserved a piece of silverware, rather than heartbreak.

It would be a sign of intent if Fulham managed to secure the arrival of Bassey this summer then, and with a long transfer window ahead still, anything could yet happen. Silva will simply be hoping to have a squad ready and able to push the Premier League's top six all the way again.

In their second season back in England's top flight, Fulham could push on even further, especially if Bassey makes the move to the London club in the coming month.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has suggested that reports linking Manchester United with Harry Kane are not to be believed and the Red Devils are "not negotiating" for the Tottenham Hotspur forward.

Are Man United interested in Kane?

Before the transfer window had opened, Man United were widely considered favourites to finally lure Kane away from Spurs.

However, when it came time for negotiations, Tottenham were unwilling to let their talismanic centre-forward leave the club, especially to a Premier League rival.

Due to the difficult and expensive nature of a possible deal, Erik ten Hag turned his attention to other attacking options and Kane's new suitors are Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

However, recent reports have suggested that United could revive their interest in the England number nine with Spurs potentially accepting defeat in their bid to keep Kane in north London long-term.

Such reports will have excited Man United fans but journalist Romano has insisted that there is nothing in them and that the Red Devils are "not negotiating" for Kane, instead turning their full attention to Rasmus Hojlund.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: "Overnight we heard a lot of stories about Harry Kane and Man United reopening discussions. Maybe [Kane] returning as an option for Manchester United.

"We know, I always told you, that Erik ten Hag is big fan of Harry Kane. [He] considers Harry Kane the perfect striker for his idea of football but I'm still told guys that at the moment Manchester United are not negotiating on this one. They still feel that Tottenham would never sell the player to them, and also the whole financial package could be absolutely too expensive."

While things could change in the market due to Ten Hag's admiration for Kane, it now appears unlikely that any deal for the 29-year-old could be completed in this transfer window.

Kane is out of contract next summer but Spurs still want around £120m for their striker and have already rejected several Bayern bids well below that valuation.

Given such an enormous fee would be required to prise Kane away from Spurs, and that he turns 30 in several days time, such a deal would be a potentially unwise piece of business for Ten Hag when younger alternatives are on the market.

According to Romano, Hojlund is now United's number one target and a deal is getting closer to reaching a natural conclusion. The 20-year-old has huge potential following a breakout season with La Dea and could be a major coup for the right price.

Where will Kane end up?

Romano claims that Bayern are still clear favourites in the Kane race and appear to be the only club actively working on a deal at present.

There is a sense that Tottenham's resolve is starting to wear thin and that chairman Daniel Levy may become increasingly tempted to cash in on Kane instead of seeing him leave for free come next summer.

There is obviously a possibility that Kane stays this season and then leaves for nothing, meaning United could come back into the race for the forward, likely among a host of other clubs.

Tottenham's hopes that Kane would sign a contract extension seem to have been dashed with the forward not eager to renew his current deal with the Lilywhites.

Fulham are "ready to swoop" for Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi and believe a deal can be struck for him, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

Who will Fulham sign this summer?

Marco Silva's side, at long last, recently confirmed new signings ahead of the 2023/2024 season with Mexico international striker Raul Jimenez and centre-back Calvin Bassey joining the west Londoners.

Jimenez will help to fill the void by Aleksandar Mitrovic's potential departure, with the Serbian mooted to be chasing an exit regardless of whether his Saudi move goes through or not.

Meanwhile, Bassey joins Fulham with plenty of potential, having previously starred for Rangers in the SPFL and on their Europa League run in 21/22 – not to mention a brilliant campaign at Ajax last season.

Silva, after sealing these major moves, is certainly not done there according to recent rumours – with the likes of Everton's Demarai Gray, Fluminese's Andre and Man United midfielder Fred all linked in the past week.

Fulham enjoyed a fine campaign over 2022/2023, briefly contending for a European spot and securing a solid mid-table finish – all the while finishing above big-spending London rivals Chelsea.

Another player to have been repeatedly linked with a move to Craven Cottage is Hudson-Odoi, with reports suggesting he is likely to leave Chelsea this summer.

A report by Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke shares an update on their pursuit of the 22-year-old, and it's stated they are "ready to swoop" for him.

There is currently a difference in valuations delaying a full agreement between the clubs, but there is a belief a deal can be wrapped up for the forward.

While Serie A side Lazio and league rivals Nottingham Forest are believed to be keen on signing Hudson-Odoi, Fulham have a slight edge in the race, with the player apparently keen to remain in London.

The £180,000-per-week star is also "ready" to quit Chelsea, meaning it could be just a matter of time before one of the aforementioned clubs seal a deal for him, depending on developments.

How good is Callum Hudson-Odoi?

On loan at Bayer Leverkusen last season, Hudson-Odoi struggled to make an impact, scoring just one goal and assisting one other in 21 total appearances.

However, the Englishman is still only young, and maybe a fresh opportunity away from Chelsea is exactly what is needed to reignite his career.

Chelsea legend and two-time manager Frank Lampard tipped him to be "huge" in 2019, going on to call him an "incredible player".

“I know what a player he is," said Lampard to the media.

"He can be an incredible player and he has improvement to make and I want to work with him to do it. But for that he needs to stay longer at the club and of course that then goes to a decision between him and the club itself. I can see him being a huge player for us.”

Meanwhile, members of the media like FourFourTwo writer Mark White have revered Hudson-Odoi for his "unbelievable vision" whilst calling Hudson-Odoi "special".

"Hudson-Odoi is special," said White in 2022.

"He can breeze past full-backs and has unbelievable vision. But what was mad about him from a young age was the sheer mentality. The confidence. The control. He exuded a vibe like nothing ever seen in English football."