Transfer news: Latest updates as Ipswich reject bid for Omari Hutchinson and Bournemouth sign Djordje Petrovic

Why do Brentford want Ipswich winger Hutchinson?

Tom McCoy

BBC Sport journalist

Brentford have reportedly bid £35m for Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson, who could arrive as a replacement for Manchester United target Bryan Mbeumo. The winger only managed three top-flight goals and two assists as the Tractor Boys were relegated last season so why are the Bees prepared to pay a club-record fee to bring the 21-year-old to west London?

Hutchinson displayed only fleeting moments of quality as Ipswich struggled last term but put himself in the shop window at this summer’s European Under-21 Championship, where he was a key part of the England side that retained their title, scoring in the final against Germany.

Deployed on the left wing, a role he has rarely played for the Suffolk club despite being left footed, Hutchinson was a constant menace with his direct running. He attempted 29 dribbles, at least six more than any other player, including nine in the semi-final against the Netherlands, when he repeatedly beat his opposite man.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea youngster also had 35 touches in the opposition box at the tournament, second only to rising German star Nick Woltemade, and created 11 chances, the joint-third highest total.

It was harder for Hutchinson to make the same kind of impact in the Premier League, with his team often penned into their own half and struggling to get the ball to their attacking players. Fielded either as a number 10 or on the right, he nonetheless showed a willingness to run with the ball and attempted 147 ‘take-ons’ (trying to dribble past an opponent), which was the league’s fifth highest tally.

Last term was only Hutchinson’s second season of senior football. He was Ipswich’s young player of the year whilst on loan from Chelsea in 2023-24, joining permanently for an initial £20m after promotion was secured. The step-up in quality was undoubtedly a challenge for him but Brentford, who are renowned for their data-led approach to recruitment, have seen enough promise to try to prize him away from Portman Road.

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