IPSWICH, ENGLAND: Omari Hutchinson of Ipswich Town celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC...
Brentford move to bring former Gunner back to Premier League 1
Brentford are interested in Omari Hutchinson and have even made an initial approach, but a move currently appears unlikely for the former Gunner.
IPSWICH, ENGLAND: Omari Hutchinson of Ipswich Town during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Leicester City FC at Portman Road on November 02, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
IPSWICH, ENGLAND: Omari Hutchinson of Ipswich Town during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Leicester City FC at Portman Road on November 02, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
After seven years in the Arsenal academy, Omari Hutchinson left north London for the pathway at Chelsea, lasting a year before being loaned and subsequently sold to Ipswich Town.
The move to Ipswich was a relatively positive one for Hutchinson on an individual level, as he made 31 appearances in last season’s Premier League campaign.
Yet it ended in disappointment, with Ipswich relegated back to the Championship. With Hutchinson having a £35m relegation release clause, another move seemed to be on the cards.
IPSWICH, ENGLAND: Omari Hutchinson of Ipswich Town celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Chelsea FC at Portman Road on December 30, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
IPSWICH, ENGLAND: Omari Hutchinson of Ipswich Town celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Chelsea FC at Portman Road on December 30, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Fabrizio Romano broke the news on Monday that Brentford were showing initial interest in Hutchinson as a potential replacement for Bryan Mbeumo, should Manchester United ultimately agree a deal for the winger.
David Ornstein and Simon Johnson have since reported for The Athletic that Brentford made an approach directly to Ipswich on Monday, but they added that a deal is felt to be unlikely as it stands.
The Athletic’s report confirmed that Brentford see Hutchinson as one of a small number of potential replacements for Mbeumo, but their bid fell significantly short of the £35m clause. In addition, that clause reportedly expires today (July 15th).
Omari Hutchinson joins Ipswich Town from Chelsea, signing a 4 year contract, Portman Road, Ipswich, UK - 30th June 2024
Omari Hutchinson joining Ipswich Town from Chelsea, signing a 4 year contract, Portman Road, Ipswich, UK – 30th June 2024
There’s also no guarantee that Mbeumo will even join Manchester United, with Ornstein adding that United and Brentford remain several million pounds apart in their valuations.
There’s reportedly been no significant developments in the last fortnight, and a deal still isn’t imminent. Though it remains on the table.
For the time being, it doesn’t look as though Hutchinson is on the verge of a return to a Premier League club. But it’s clearly an option, and one Brentford are seriously considering if the circumstances are right.