Chelsea youngster agrees five-year deal with Ipswich Town ahead of new season

Omari Hutchinson, a permanent acquisition from Chelsea, has signed a club-record contract with Ipswich Town. The 20-year-old winger's success in the 2023–24 campaign led to significant spending by the team to lock down his skills for the following five years.

Ipswich Town is reportedly willing to pay a maximum of a staggering £22 million for Hutchinson, shattering their previous record of £4.5 million for goalkeeper Matteo Sereni of Sampdoria in 2001. Given that his 10 goals as well as six assists enabled the team return to the English Premier League following a 22-year hiatus, the club will be happy to have the young player stay at Portman Road Stadium.

Kieran Mckenna said, “Omari is someone we all enjoyed working with last season and the staff, his teammates and supporters all saw how he grew and developed over the course of the year, which is testament to the hard work he put in. The impact he had on the team throughout the season, especially in the latter part, was evidence of that and he, like so many of his teammates, played a significant part in that success for the club.”

He added, “We think Omari is a fantastic player and person to have at the Club for the long-term future. He has a hunger to improve and show that he can compete and thrive in the Premier League.”

Chelsea still in race to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace

According to reports, Manchester United is the front-runner to recruit Crystal Palace's standout defender Marc Guehi during the summer, with Chelsea coming in second. Throughout their UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, England's center-back has been a revelation, helping the team to two clean sheets during three group matches. Though the team has been under fire, Guehi has won praise for his smooth adaptation to the international game.

It's hardly surprising that teams are vying for his signature during the summer transfer season considering his performances. Before relocating to Crystal Palace on a permanent contract in the summer of 2021, Guehi began his playing days at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are now rumored to be interested in re-signing him.