Town agree club record deal to sign young star Hutchinson from Chelsea

Ipswich Town have agreed a deal to sign exciting young forward Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea for a club record fee, the EADT and Ipswich Star understands.

The Blues will make a major statement by bringing the electrifying 20-year-old back to Portman Road after he spent last season starring on loan in Suffolk, bagging 11 goals and laying on six assists in 50 games.

It's been reported by the Athletic that the fee will be an initial £20m plus up to £2.5m in add-ons, although we understand the final figures may be slightly higher. There will also be a sell-on clause included, but no buy-back agreement.

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As long as Hutchinson passes his medical, the deal will absolutely smash the club record of £4.75m that Town paid Sampdoria for keeper Matteo Sereni back in 2001.

Omari Hutchinson was flipping superb on loan for Town last season (Image: Pagepix Ltd)
After in-demand boss Kieran McKenna decided to stay on with Town last month in the face of interest from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Brighton, adding Hutchinson to the fold permanently is another huge coup for the club as they prepare for life back the Premier League.

Speaking about Hutchinson back in May, CEO Mark Ashton said: "What Kieran’s done with Omari from day one, how he’s developed him, is incredible.

"He’s gone from a bit-part player, to a mainstay in the team, to someone who has really impacted the team."

The Blues are also in advanced talks with versatile defender Ben Johnson, who will become a free agent when his West Ham contract expires this weekend.

Players return from their summer break to start pre-season training on Monday.