Chelsea youngster Omari Hutchinson has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for two clubs in the Eredivisie.
Since leaving Arsenal for Stamford Bridge in July 2022, the playmaker has been restricted to just two substitute outings for the Blues.
Coincidentally, both of those appearances came against Manchester City, the first in an FA Cup tie at the Etihad Stadium and the second in a Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge towards the end of 2023.
That left Hutchinson just a few months shy of his 20th birthday having never made a senior start, but that has since changed with a loan spell at Ipswich Town.
The Jamaica international was provided with 25 starts and 25 substitute outings as Ipswich secured promotion to the Premier League with a runners-up finish in the Championship.
In total, Hutchinson contributed 11 goals and six assists before returning to his parent club, and decisions now need to be made over the next phase of his development.
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Dutch clubs waiting in the wings
While Chelsea purchased Hutchinson with the view of him becoming a first-team player, they also know the player's stock has been enhanced considerably courtesy of his time in the second tier.
A loan move to a Premier League or European club remains a possibility, yet Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital could substantially boost their position with the Premier League's and UEFA's financial regulations with a sale.
According to football.london, Ajax and Feyenoord are each contemplating whether to put forward a proposal for the versatile attacker.
Despite facing their own financial issues ahead of the summer transfer window, Ajax are expected to undergo a rebuild on the back of a fifth-placed finish in the Eredivisie.
As for Feyenoord, they also face a period of transition with Arne Slot having departed for Liverpool and some of their key players naturally attracting attention from elsewhere.
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How may Chelsea handle the situation?
With Hutchinson only possessing a contract until 2025, it adds a complexity to the situation that will need to be resolved.
Chelsea's managerial situation could also play its part with Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna one of the contenders to replace Mauricio Pochettino.
One factor that could lead to Chelsea preferring a sale now rather than a loan is Hutchinson being purchased on a free transfer. Any sale will go down as pure profit in the books.
If Hutchinson is not sold, Chelsea may need to find an alternative solution when it comes to boosting their accounts before June 30.
Darren Plant
