Ipswich in advanced talks to sign Omari Hutchinson after West Brom deal broke down in January
One-time West Brom target Omari Hutchinson is in advanced talks to join Championship side Ipswich Town on loan, according to The Athletic.
The Chelsea attacker came close to joining the Baggies on a deadline-day loan last January, but the move collapsed late on. The 19-year-old is admired enough by his parent club that an EFL loan is wanted rather than continuing development at youth level.
The Jamaican international’s next destination looks to be the newly-promoted side. Still, no final decision has been made yet as Hutchinson is set for his first regular minutes in professional football.
Missed opportunity
Hutchinson’s loan to the Hawthorns was as close as a move can get without going through.
Corberan’s side even shifted Karlan Grant from the club to make way for the youngster, but Chelsea failed to meet the 11 pm deadline while they organised other transfers, meaning the deal was gone.
Hutchinson himself was reportedly very impressed with the work West Brom had done in scouting him and felt reassured that he could make an impact in the Championship last January [The Athletic].
But alas, Hutchinson gets himself an EFL move now, but West Brom fans may feel the sting of the missed opportunity.
The former Arsenal and Charlton academy prospect is a dynamic and multi-functional attacking presence, able to play in his preferred winger position or shift inside as an attacking midfielder. He has an eye for goal also, claiming seven last season in the Premier League 2, while his creativity is evident in his seven assists.
West Brom will be looking to add more goals to their squad next season if they want to boost their promotion chances. Last season, their 59 goals were not enough for them to enter the playoff spots and they will need to match the likes of Burnley’s and Middlesbrough’s 80-plus goal tallies to put themself in the best possible position.
Ipswich looks to be getting a quality asset as they look to stay up in their first season back in the second division, but West Brom fans will feel disappointed to have missed out when they did.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies could be set to lose a key attacking player as Leeds United’s Willy Gnonto’s replacement.