Ipswich could sideline Hutchinson for “highly rated” EFL star

Signing this talent could help Ipswich Town overcome any potential Omari Hutchinson sadness.

Ipswich Town will be grateful that they won’t have to worry about the strains of the Championship playoffs, instead focusing on putting together a list of new signings for their Premier League debut season.

The gossip mill has churned out some interesting targets, such Armando Broja and Eddie Nketiah perhaps departing the glitz of London for Portman Road, but the Tractor Boys may also choose to shop in the division they recently left.

This aim, in particular, might ease the impact of Omari Hutchinson potentially leaving Suffolk after dazzling Championship defenders in a similar fashion to the exceptional Chelsea loanee over the course of several seasons.

Omari Hutchinson’s future at Ipswich

Hutchinson developed into a “exceptional” talent under McKenna last season, as noted by Ipswich chief executive Mark Ashton shortly after promotion was confirmed, and it’s no secret that the Tractor Boys would like to retain him around as they navigate the difficult step-up to the top flight.

Hutchinson has accumulated 11 goals and six assists in 50 appearances, including scoring the important second goal on the final day to defeat Huddersfield Town 2-0. He has gone on leaps and bounds during this formative transition after just playing youth football for the Blues previously.

Omari HUTCHINSON! 📈🔥 pic.twitter.com/34W285q8Cw

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 4, 2024

Despite Ashton’s praise, it appears like Ipswich will be planning for a future without Hutchinson, who recently sent an impassioned statement on social media about his transformative time in Suffolk, with one paragraph even stating that the club will “always have a place in my heart”.

This doesn’t have to be all sorrow and gloom for Ipswich, though, with the South London Press reporting that the newly promoted club is aiming to sign Millwall star Zian Flemming this summer.

Flemming may replace the void left by Hutchinson, potentially as a winger or attacking midfielder, providing Ipswich the depth they need to compete in the Premier League.

Zian Flemming’s numbers at Millwall

Flemming has been a revelation for the Lions since signing from Fortuna Sittard in the summer of 2022, scoring 15 goals in his rookie season and continuing to contribute significantly this season.

In total, the Dutch attacker has scored 31 goals in 92 Millwall outings, with his sights set on a Premier League switch following his Lions heroics.

McKenna could do far worse than recruiting Flemming as another attacking body if Hutchinson simply returns to Stamford Bridge for good. Even in a far lower-down Millwall side that battled against the relegation zone for large portions of the campaign, Flemming’s goal tally is comparable to that of the main Ipswich attackers this season.

Before the main action began this season, ex-Millwall boss Gary Rowett described the Dutchman as a “top quality” talent, with Burnley allegedly interested in the Dutchman at one point before they embarked on their leap to the top flight. Ipswich may well take a chance on the Lions man, hoping he can adjust to the demands of the division above.

Going after fresh bodies will undoubtedly be laced with regret as Hutchinson does not return, but the energetic 25-year-old from the Den might well alleviate the blow.