Jamie Carragher believes Callum Hudson-Odoi is doing the right thing by not signing a new contract at Chelsea.
The teenager’s current contract expires next year and Chelsea are keen for him to sign a new deal.
Hudson-Odoi, who is wanted by Bayern Munich, has made it clear he wants to leave Stamford Bridge unless he gets regular first-team football.
And pundit Carragher thinks the player’s approach is exactly right.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Liverpool and England defender said: “If I was Hudson-Odoi I wouldn’t sign. No, I wouldn’t.
“The position he’s in, he’s in a very strong position. I’m not saying don’t sign to try and get more money or cause a big problem.
“I love the fact this lad hasn’t signed a contract – not because of a money thing or wanting to leave (to join) Bayern Munich, because he wants to play. There’s a frustration there.
“I’m not saying he should be playing every week, but I love the courage he’s shown.
“Too often now I think players just sign big long contracts, they’re on lots of money and in some ways you think ‘where’s their career going?’
“He could sign, be on a four-year deal and be on all kinds of money…but he’s willing to say ‘if I don’t play I want to go’.
“This lad wants to play. I’ve got great respect for what this lad is doing.
“I don’t think he should sign. I don’t think he should leave. He should stay there next season, see how much he plays and if he plays enough then sign a contract. If not then move on.”