Nottingham Forest seal swoop for Ipswich Town’s Omari Hutchinson
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England's Omari Hutchinson agreed a five-year contract with the English Premier League club on the eve of their season opener against Brentford.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Nottingham Forest signed Ipswich Town winger Omari Hutchinson in a deal worth a reported £37.5 million (S$65.2 million) on Aug 16.
Hutchinson agreed a five-year contract with the English Premier League club on the eve of their season-opening 3-1 win over Brentford on Aug 17.
The 21-year-old played 32 times for Ipswich as they were relegated from the Premier League last season, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
“I’m really excited to be here and can’t wait to get started. I’ve played at the City Ground a few times and it’s always felt like a hostile atmosphere, so I’m looking forward to playing here with the fans behind us,” Hutchinson said.
“I’m going to give it my all and I’m looking forward to the challenge as it’s a new chapter for me, but I feel ready.”
Since the end of last season, Forest have signed Botafogo duo Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha, and Switzerland international Dan Ndoye, who scored on his debut against Brentford as Chris Wood bagged a brace.
They also convinced captain Morgan Gibbs-White to sign a long-term contract amid reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo had been frustrated with the club’s transfer activity in the summer.
But the move for Hutchinson and a flurry of late transactions should ease his concerns ahead of a campaign that will feature Forest in Europa League action.
The Tricky Trees also completed a £30 million deal for Manchester City midfielder James McAtee, with Rennes forward Arnaud Kalimuendo also reportedly in London for a medical check-up ahead of a £26 million move.
They are also working on a deal to sign midfielder Douglas Luiz in a permanent move from Juventus.
Elsewhere, Brentford signed Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth for a reported £42 million on Aug 16 in a deal that could free up Yoane Wissa to leave the Bees.
Ouattara, 23, scored 11 goals in 88 appearances for the Cherries, since joining from Lorient in 2023.
Brentford confirmed the transfer is a club-record fee, surpassing the £30 million they spent in 2024 on Igor Thiago, who converted a late penalty in their 3-1 defeat by Forest on Aug 17.
“We’re really happy to get Dango in,” said Brentford boss Keith Andrews. “He’s someone that we were aware and surprised could be available and, once we knew that signing him might be a possibility, we really focused on trying to get him in.
“We liked his Premier League experience, even at his young age, and he just hasn’t found the rhythm yet because of a lack of consistent game time.”
Brentford have lost their manager, top scorer and captain from last season after finishing 10th in the Premier League.
Thomas Frank left to manage Spurs, Bryan Mbeumo was snapped up by Manchester United and Christian Norgaard was signed by Arsenal.
Wissa could join that exodus with Newcastle United reportedly interested in the forward, who scored 19 Premier League goals last season. AFP
