Town and Chelsea are understood to have agreed the deal which will see Omari Hutchinson return to Portman Road on a permanent basis.

News that the clubs were in negotiations regarding last season’s star loanee first emerged last night but with the move evidently having progressed further than it initially appeared.

Now, as per a number of media outlets, an agreement regarding a deal has been reached with TWTD sources indicating the same. According to The Athletic, the fee is an initial £20 million plus another £2.5 million in top-ups plus a sell-on of 25 per cent.

There is no buyback but it's understood matching rights are guaranteed when it comes to a future sale, although with the decision ultimately up to the player. The forward’s previous club Arsenal will receive a sell-on of 15-20 per cent of the fee.

The fee smashes Town’s previous record, the £4.8 million paid to Sampdoria for Matteo Sereni in the summer of 2001.

Personal terms are also believed to have been agreed with the Hutchinson, however, no announcement is expected this evening with the deal still subject to a medical.

Chelsea are understood to have been keen to get the move over the line before the end of the month, having been widely reported to need to make player sales in order to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Jamaica international Hutchinson made a huge impression on loan as Town won promotion to the Premier League last season, winning the club’s Young Player of the Year award after netting 11 times and picking up six assists in his first senior season.

Town manager Kieran McKenna made no secret of his desire to bring Hutchinson back to Portman Road, joking that he’d like him to be CEO Mark Ashton’s birthday present to him at the End-of-Season Dinner in May.

Supporters will be equally delighted with Hutchinson having become a big fans’ favourite during his loan spell.

Town are also close to announcing the addition of former West Ham right-back Ben Johnson on a free transfer.

The 24-year-old is believed to have agreed a four-year deal at Portman Road with his move expected to be rubber-stamped early next week once his Hammers contract is up.

Photo: Matchday Images

jas0999 added 19:04 - Jun 28 Great news! Well done all.
0

Marcus added 19:05 - Jun 28 With respect, NthQldITFC, let's hold back on that... just because the medical services would be so overwhelmed and we want to get that medical done!
0

BlueNomad added 19:08 - Jun 28 As a statement signing we have to accept he’s no Van Wolfswinkel though is he!
1

gosblue added 19:09 - Jun 28 Two quality players for £20k, what’s not to like COYB.
0

therein61 added 19:10 - Jun 28 I need a few more beers now hic!!
0

gosblue added 19:17 - Jun 28 £20m doh
0

SquamishBlue added 19:18 - Jun 28 Great Start...!!....
0

WeWereZombies added 19:19 - Jun 28 Not just any Hutchinson, the Hutchinson !
0

itfckenty added 19:32 - Jun 28 Banging news this! Great start to the weekend.
0

John_Grose added 19:38 - Jun 28 Get in you beauty. Great news COYB!!
0

RegencyBlue added 19:39 - Jun 28 We’re not kidding are we!
2

JewellintheTown added 19:41 - Jun 28 Excellent bit of news once across the line. At the moment we're technically weaker than we were with 1st teamers Sarmiento & big Keiffer gone, so looking forward to seeing how we rebuild stronger. Ben Johnson will be a great start though if that's across the line. Exciting times & still early days.
0

mutters added 19:42 - Jun 28 Seriously happy right now
1

hammo56 added 19:47 - Jun 28 Whilst I’m pleased that Hutchinson is coming back I do think that comments like we have pulled Chelsea’s pants down on this deal are a bit premature. Yes he really improved during the 2nd half of last season but he will now be playing at a completely different level. Who knows if he will be able to step up and produce the same sort of form next season. There will be a lot of pressure put on the lad by some supporters to produce the goods right from the start and I can just see if after 10 games into the season he isn’t some will be saying what a waste of money. Anyhow, welcome back to PR Omari, now go and smash it!

1

dusth added 19:52 - Jun 28 This has made my day. I could write a poem but relax I'm not going to.
1

Linkboy13 added 20:02 - Jun 28 Yes agree with you Hammo 56 we have to be patient with Hutchinson and give him time to settle in to the pace and physicality of the Premier league.
1

Karlosfandangal added 20:03 - Jun 28 Town mean business…excellent news
0

ThaiBlue added 20:04 - Jun 28 Very impressive work by Town more to come I'm sure but great work all well done.
0

trevski_s added 20:07 - Jun 28 This is excellent news. Well done to KM, MA and the rest of the team for getting this done. Will be a big step up for him next season in the PL (as it will be for everyone) but I know he and the rest of the team will produce. It's great to get someone back in who already has great chemistry with the rest of the team. So that's now Leif and Omari confirmed for my next fantasy football team

0

RobbieM30 added 20:19 - Jun 28 Great news. Think this will prove to be a bargain. We are gonna have to come up with a better song though!
0

Fat_Boy_Tim added 20:20 - Jun 28 Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh, I wanna dance with Omari! COYB
2

planetblue_2011 added 20:25 - Jun 28 Fantastic news I’m ecstatic Omari’s gonna be permanent!! Johnson will be great signing too
1

JackSwan added 20:42 - Jun 28 Great news!
0

jewellsjewells added 21:05 - Jun 28 Omari Omari life goes on wooooooo la la la life goes on ….
0

Ebantiass added 21:12 - Jun 28 Brilliant news and a real statement by the club. Delighted and if the Downs rumours a true I think Im in seventh heaven.
0

Blogs 298 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls