Who is Omari Hutchinson

Omari Hutchinson had a decorated youth career, playing for Arsenal, Chelsea, and Charlton Athletic. The young winger also played for England at youth team level but is yet to make a decision whether to commit to Jamaica or England at senior level. He signed his first professional contract at the end of 2020, and since then, Hutchinson’s career has accelerated with his first season of senior football in the 2023/24 campaign.

Hutchinson has interested a number of clubs this summer, including Ipswich Town, where he played an integral part in the Tractor Boys’ promotion back to the Premier League. Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna is keen on having his star winger back for next season, but it is unclear what Chelsea have planned for the 20-year-old. What is clear, though, is that Hutchinson has a bright future ahead of him, whether that be at Ipswich, Chelsea, or elsewhere.

Career

Hutchinson played at the Chelsea academy from the age of five to nine before moving to Charlton Athletic in 2012. He impressed at the Addicks, which earned him a move to Arsenal in 2015. His best season at Arsenal was in the 2020/21 campaign, when he registered 15 goal contributions in 20 games in the U18 Premier League. Following seven successful years at the Gunners, he made a return to the Blues in the summer of 2022, when he joined Chelsea again. This time, he was signed as a professional instead of an academy player.

During his first professional season at Chelsea, Hutchinson scored seven goals and registered eight assists in Premier League 2, while also making senior appearances in the FA Cup and the Premier League. Due to a desire to play regular first-team football for the first time in his career, the 20-year-old winger moved to Ipswich on loan under Kieran McKenna in the Championship. Hutchinson played 44 of Ipswich’s 46 games, scoring 10 goals and managing six assists, as the Tractor Boys secured automatic promotion. His success in the Championship has led to speculation about his future, with bids expected for him this summer.

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Position

Hutchinson is predominantly a right-winger but can also play on the other side as well as down the middle. In the 2023/24 season for Ipswich, he played 50% of his league matches as a right-winger, but it is noteworthy that he played more games as an attacking midfielder than a left-winger. His versatility to occupy any position in the frontline, especially in a 4-2-3-1, is what makes him such an attractive prospect for clubs vying for his signature. Across his career, Hutchinson has registered two more assists as a number 10, compared to when he played as a right-winger, in 10 fewer games.

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Style of Play

Hutchinson is left-footed and likes to take on defenders as frequently as possible. His dribbling prowess and ability to create chances against low blocks were a key aspect of Ipswich’s prolific goalscoring record in the Championship, where they averaged two goals per game. You’d be mistaken to think that Hutchinson is only one-footed, though, as he can also take on defenders on the outside with his right-foot. He scored some impressive goals with his weaker foot throughout the season. This was on display in the 2-0 win against Huddersfield Town, which secured promotion. Hutchinson skipped past a Terriers’ midfielder before firing a low right-footed shot past the goalkeeper.

The trademark of Hutchinson is the curled left-footed shot from outside the box. He scored two of these goals against Hull City in an away game at the end of the season. After the match, McKenna reflected on Hutchinson’s performance. He said:

Contract Information

Hutchinson signed a three-year deal with Chelsea, with an option for another year in 2022. In May, the London club exercised the option to extend the young winger’s contract until 2026, ensuring that they can secure the biggest fee possible for him this summer. Ben Jacobs reported on 28th May that Chelsea were looking for around £25 million to prize Hutchinson away from Stamford Bridge.

Jacobs added: “Ipswich desperate to keep Hutchinson, who is open to returning.” Ipswich’s transfer record is currently Matteo Sereni, who they signed for £4.8 million in August 2001. Any permanent deal to sign Hutchinson would comfortably break that record. German clubs have also expressed an interest in signing the 20-year-old, including Bundesliga side Stuttgart.

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Future at Chelsea

Hutchinson was originally expected to go on Chelsea’s July pre-season tour to the United States. In fact, he was called back to Cobham training ground only a week after winning promotion with Ipswich. A full season at Stamford Bridge looks unlikely, though, and a reunion with McKenna looks to be a distinct possibility in the 2024/25 campaign as they embark on their first Premier League season in 22 years.

After promotion was secured against Huddersfield Town at Portman Road, Hutchinson was asked by Sky Sports about a potential return to Ipswich in the 2024/25 season. He said:

While it is hard to take Hutchinson’s comments too seriously, given that it was only shortly after he helped his side secure promotion, Ipswich are now pressing for his return this summer. A permanent move away from Chelsea now looks almost certain and Ipswich are advancing in talks to sign the winger. A number of clubs across Europe have pushed for Hutchinson’s signature following his successful Championship campaign. The Chelsea youngster has ambitious plans for the future, as shown by an interview with the Athletic in May 2024 where he told Simon Johnson about his aim to play in the Champions League.

Fabrizio Romano delivered a major update on Hutchinson’s future at Stamford Bridge in early June, revealing that Chelsea had no intention of loaning him out again for the new season, and that a permanent deal would be the only way. The journalist added the Blues would consider a bid in the region of £25m to £30m.

The Italian journalist then revealed a further exclusive on 27th June stating that negotiations between Ipswich and Chelsea had begun over a permanent deal for Hutchinson. McKenna’s decision to stay at the club and sign a new contract is seen as a major factor in negotiations to convince the 20-year-old to return. Romano said:

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Information gathered from Transfermarkt and FBREF.