Omari Hutchinson was highly influential during his loan with Ipswich Town. The 20-year-old had a huge impact on their promotion, but a reunion looks unlikely.
With speculation surrounding the Tractor Boys’ boss Kieran McKenna, and his whereabouts next season, one more road-block has appeared in the pursuit of another important signature. Hutchinson is set to return to his parent club, Chelsea, but will likely be sanctioned another loan move to develop his career further. Ipswich were hopeful that an impressive season at Portman Road would bolster their chances of another spell.
However, an update has emerged, which suggests that German high-flyers Stuttgart, are the front runners for the 20-year-old’s temporary services. Following a second-placed finish on the final day of the season, and leap-frogging Bayern Munich, the Schwabians will be able to offer the prospect of Champions League football. Other clubs in contention are said to be: Ajax, Feyenoord, and Borussia Monchengladbach.
The impressive promotion season culminated in the end-of-season awards, where the Jamaican claimed the club’s Young Player of the Season. A successful season for Town was exemplified by Hutchinson’s prolific numbers from the wing and the attacking-midfield. The 20-year-old scored ten times and assisted five from 44 matches in the recent campaign. Although, this feat can be elevated further with the knowledge that he only started less than half of those games.
🔵🌟 Omari Hutchinson on his future to be discussed with Chelsea: "I hope to stay at Ipswich Town also next season".
"We'll see my agent and the manager says… I am speechless. It's the best loan I could have ever imagined!", told Sky. pic.twitter.com/ck08s8Jhro
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2024
Hutchinson had some words for the Ipswich faithful, following the expiration of his loan deal this summer:
“I want to reflect on how special this year has been for me. Since arriving at the club you have all made me feel welcome and loved. Thanks to my amazing team-mates who I now call brothers, helped me from the first day I entered the changing room.
“I’d also like to thank the special people behind the scenes who treated me like one of their own. To all the coaching staff that helped develop me into the player I am today.
“Most importantly, a massive thank you to Kieran McKenna for trusting and believing in my ability. You brought out the best of me and I will always be grateful for that. Ipswich Town will always have a place in my heart.”
Writer’s View
It sounds like Hutchinson has a lot to owe to the Tractor Boys’ backroom staff and the club in general. As exciting as a move to Stuttgart or Feynoord may be, with both having top European prospects, a more sensible option would be to return to Portman Road for another season – where he will undoubtedly be a first-team regular.
Either way, whichever club has the 20-year-old for the next campaign, will have an absolute gem on their hands. A combination of pace, trickery and bravery when attacking, perfectly epitomises the Chelsea prospect’s profile. A move to Stuttgart, with Hoeness at the helm, would be an ambitious experience to step up to the next level.