Manchester United have identified Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi as a key summer transfer target as they prepare for a major squad overhaul ahead of the 2024/25 season.
The 24-year-old has impressed in his debut season at the City Ground, notching five goals and three assists in 29 Premier League appearances. Hudson-Odoi’s resurgence under Nuno Espírito Santo, thriving in a fast-paced counter-attacking setup alongside Anthony Elanga and Chris Wood, has not gone unnoticed by top clubs at home and abroad.
Signed from Chelsea for under £5 million last September, Hudson-Odoi has quickly become a fan favourite at Forest and earned the nickname “star boy” from teammate Ola Aina. With Forest sitting seventh in the Premier League after once threatening a top-five finish, the club is eager to retain their core players—but United may look to test their resolve.
Hudson-Odoi is currently in talks over a new deal, but with no agreement yet in place and his contract set to expire in June 2026, United are poised to move in should negotiations stall. A lack of progress could open the door to a cut-price exit this summer.
Sources confirm that Roma, Napoli, and two other Premier League clubs have also expressed interest in the England international, who has three senior caps.
United boss-in-waiting Ruben Amorim sees Hudson-Odoi as a versatile fit for his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. The winger could slot in as a left-sided attacking midfielder or even as a wing-back, offering flexibility and pace in a system built around rapid transitions.
However, with United languishing in 16th and Forest chasing European qualification, the Red Devils will need to mount a convincing pitch. Victory in the Europa League final—securing a coveted Champions League berth—may prove decisive in swaying Hudson-Odoi.
Hudson-Odoi is one of several offensive reinforcements being considered as United aim to inject energy and creativity into a misfiring squad. The club is also monitoring Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who has racked up 14 goal involvements this term and is contracted until 2029.
United are expected to pursue two centre-forwards as well. Brazilian outlet Globo reports that the club is nearing a deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers for Matheus Cunha, who could cost around £62.5 million. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap—who reportedly prefers United over Chelsea—is said to be close to completing a £30 million move, courtesy of a relegation release clause.
Should all three deals go through, United’s summer outlay could exceed £100 million—an aggressive statement of intent from a club eager to return to the Premier League elite.
By Kelly Were
