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Why has Hutchinson caught Brentford's attention?

Why has Hutchinson caught Brentford's attention?

BBC News16-07-2025
Brentford are still interested in a deal for Ipswich's Omari Hutchinson, despite having a £35m bid rejected for the winger, who could arrive as a replacement for Manchester United target Bryan Mbeumo.The 21-year-old only managed three Premier League goals and two assists as the Tractor Boys were relegated last season, so why are the Bees prepared to pay a club record fee to bring the former Chelsea player back to west London?Hutchinson displayed only fleeting moments of quality as Ipswich struggled last term but put himself in the shop window at this summer's European Under-21 Championship, where he was a key part of the England side that retained their title, including scoring in the final against Germany.Deployed on the left wing - a role he has rarely played for the Suffolk club, despite being left footed - Hutchinson was a constant menace with his direct running.He attempted 29 dribbles - at least six more than any other player, including nine in the semi-final against the Netherlands, when he repeatedly beat his opposite man.The former and Chelsea youngster also had 35 touches in the opposition box at the tournament, second only to Germany's rising star Nick Woltemade, and created 11 chances - the joint-third highest total.It was harder for Hutchinson to make the same kind of impact in the Premier League, with his Ipswich team often penned into their own half and struggling to get the ball to their attacking players.Fielded either as a number 10 or on the right, he nonetheless showed a willingness to run with the ball and attempted 147 'take-ons' (trying to dribble past an opponent), which was the league's fifth-highest tally.Last season was only Hutchinson's second in senior football. He was Ipswich's young player of the year while on loan from Chelsea in 2023-24, then joining for an initial £20m after promotion was secured.The step up in quality was undoubtedly a challenge for him, but Brentford, who are renowned for their data-led approach to recruitment, have seen enough promise to try to prise him away from Portman Road.Sign up for news and data notifications about your Premier League club
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