Ipswich’s first formal offer to buy Omari Hutchinson has been “launched” in the last couple of days, sources have told TeamTalk.
The winger had a great season there on loan in this year just gone, and helped the Tractor Boys to promotion. That’s given them a major cash boost, and the fact that manager Kieran McKenna is set to sign a new deal and stay in place next year and beyond certainly makes this a more tempting possibility for Hutchinson.
Chelsea recently exercised their option to extend the winger’s career by a year, putting them in a strong position to decide his future.
This piece doesn’t mention a price, but given he’s valued at €7m by Transfermarkt we reckon the opening bid is likely to have been around €12m, with Chelsea probably wanting closer to €20m. There’s been talk of interest from Bundesliga side Stuttgart, which should help bring the price up, and we’re under no pressure to sell unless we get a fair amount. Who knows who else could join the chase in the weeks to come?
Crucial weeks in Hutchinson’s career
As with so many of these loan players – and in fact with the whole squad – the new coach will want to get a look at them before deciding what course to take. But Omari’s future feels among the most open. He genuinely could stay with Chelsea, or go on loan, or be sold. All feel very much on the table still. Accepting this offer would generate some cash which might reduce the need for other sales, but loaning him out for a good year in the Premier League will boost his value significantly.
Some crucial weeks in Omari’s career are coming up. Does he stick with the coach and club where he’s made so much progress in the last 9 months, or try his hand in Europe?