‘West Ham and Everton step up Omari Hutchinson pursuit amid Ipswich update’
Ipswich Town appear set to part company with Omari Hutchinson amid interest from Premier League duo West Ham United and Everton.
The winger scored just three goals in the top flight last term as Ipswich suffered an immediate relegation back to the Championship.
However, Hutchinson was a highly influential figure in England’s Under-21 European Championship triumph, and scored in the 3-2 win over Germany in the final on Saturday, 28 June.
The 21-year-old has subsequently caught the eye of West Ham and Everton, who can both hand him the chance to stay in the Premier League.
Ipswich lose grip on Hutchinson amid West Ham and Everton interest
Former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that West Ham want to sign Hutchinson.
The former Chelsea man previously impressed when he notched 10 goals and five assists in 44 league appearances as Ipswich clinched a shock promotion from the Championship.
Meanwhile, reporting via the BBC Sport live transfer Q&A [30 June, 3.30pm], Phil McNulty said: “I would say Ipswich Town’s grip on Omari Hutchinson has probably been loosened by his eye-catching performance in England’s under-21 Euros win.
“It will have attracted a lot of attention and may well have whetted his appetite for more Premier League football, and it is noticeable that clubs such as Everton and West Ham United have already been linked as speculation starts.”
Hutchinson can help West Ham ease Mohammed Kudus exit pain
Football Insider verdict
Both Everton and West Ham are intent on strengthening their wide options, but acquiring Hutchinson could prove to be a particularly important piece of business for the Hammers.
| Omari Hutchinson stats | Under-21 Euros |
| Appearances | 6 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
Amid interest from the likes of Chelsea, Mohammed Kudus is set to leave West Ham this summer, having impressed for the East London club.
The former Ajax man performed notably well during the 2023/24 season when he scored 14 goals and produced six assists in 45 outings across all competitions.
Last term, the Ghana international notched a less impressive return of five goals and four assists, but his direct style and trickery make him an attractive option for top Premier League sides.
After West Ham finished just 14th in the top flight last season, Kudus should be keen to depart the London Stadium, whereas the likes of Chelsea can offer him Champions League football.
Meanwhile, Hutchinson’s performances for the England Under-21s show that he could be a suitable replacement for the 24-year-old.
Elsewhere, the Hammers have been tipped to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin in a West Ham Zone exclusive.