Town sign Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea for a club record fee

Ipswich Town have confirmed the signing of brilliant young striker Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea for a club record fee.

The 20-year-old, who shone as a loan player in Suffolk last season, has signed a five-year contract for an initial transfer fee of £18 million plus additional payments.

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This surpasses the club record of £4.75 million that the Blues paid Sampdoria for goalkeeper Matteo Sereni in 2001.

Hutchinson scored eleven goals and provided six assists in 50 games last season.

Omari Hutchinson has signed a five-year contract (Image: PA)
“We are delighted to bring Omari back on a permanent basis,” Town boss Kieran McKenna told the club website.

“We all enjoyed working with Omari last season and the staff, his teammates and fans all saw him grow and develop throughout the year, which is a testament to the hard work he put in.

“The influence he had on the team throughout the season, particularly in the closing stages, was testament to that and he, like so many of his teammates, played a significant part in the club’s success.

READ MORE: What fans say about the move

“We believe that Omari is a fantastic player and person who we will have at the club for the long term.

“He is hungry to improve and show that he can compete and succeed in the Premier League.”

Having already signed a new contract with head coach McKenna this summer and fended off interest from clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea and Brighton, Hutchinson’s permanent signing is a major coup.

He will join the rest of his teammates when they report for the first day of pre-season training tomorrow.

Chelsea’s website said: “We wish Omari all the best as he begins a new chapter in his career and thank him for all his efforts at the Blues.”

Versatile defender Ben Johnson is expected to be next through the door, signing as a free agent after his contract at West Ham expired today.