Nottingham Forest have confirmed the signing of Callum Hudson-Odoi from Chelsea on a permanent deal.
The England international has joined Steve Cooper's side on a three-year contract until the end of the 2025-26 season and becomes the Tricky Trees' ninth signing of the summer window.
Hudson-Odoi follows Matt Turner, Ola Aina, Anthony Elanga, Andrey Santos, Murillo and Gonzalo Montiel to the City Ground, as well as fellow deadline day signings Nuno Tavares and Nicolas Dominguez.
"It's massive for me to be here and I can't wait to get started. It's a new chapter for me," Hudson-Odoi told the official Nottingham Forest website after putting pen to paper.
"I know a couple of the boys already which was a big thing for me, and I obviously know the manager well, so it's nice to be here and see familiar faces around.
It's CHO-time ⚡️#WelcomeCallum 🏴 pic.twitter.com/SmSkvnVWgR
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) September 1, 2023
"Forest is a big club which won two massive trophies in its history and I'm really excited to play at The City Ground. I know all about the atmosphere having watched a couple of times and I can't wait to get playing in front of the Forest fans."
Forest are believed to have paid an initial £3m - with £5m in add-ons - to sign Hudson-Odoi, who ends his association with Chelsea after a 16-year spell with the Blues, who signed him for their youth academy in 2007.
Once regarded as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from the Cobham ranks, the 22-year-old ended up making 126 appearances for Chelsea in all tournaments, scoring 16 goals and setting up 22 more.
However, the winger's time in West London was also plagued by injuries, and he joined German outfit Bayer Leverkusen on loan for the 2022-23 season in a bid to reignite his career.
Hudson-Odoi struggled in the Bundesliga too, though, recording just one goal and one assist in 21 matches for Xabi Alonso's side, and he was not in the plans of Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino moving forward.
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Nevertheless, Forest's Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson also expressed his delight at reuniting Hudson-Odoi with Cooper, who managed the attacker during his stint with England Under-17s.
"We all know the potential that Callum has shown. He was enthused to work with Steve again, given the relationship they formed with the National Team," Wilson added. "We are pleased to welcome Callum to Nottingham today."
Hudson-Odoi will wear the number 14 shirt for Nottingham Forest, who return to action against the 22-year-old's former club Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
If Hudson-Odoi was registered by 12pm on Friday, he will be eligible to make his debut for the Tricky Trees against his old employers, although failing that he could earn his first minutes against Burnley following the international break.
The Englishman becomes the 22nd senior player to leave Chelsea on loan or permanently this summer, and Forest are now expected to finalise the signing of AC Milan striker Divock Origi on loan.
Ben Knapton
