Ipswich sign £20m Chelsea winger Hutchinson

Omari Hutchinson made 20 Championship starts for Ipswich last season, with a further 24 appearances off the bench

Ipswich have signed Chelsea forward Omari Hutchinson in a club record deal.

The 20-year-old has signed a five-year-deal with the Premier League new boys, with the fee believed to be worth an initial £20m - with a further £2.5m potentially due subject to performance-related add-ons.

Hutchinson was the club's primary transfer target after his exceptional performances on loan in the Championship last season, contributing 10 goals and six assists.

Kieran McKenna's Tractor Boys, who were fresh from coming up from League One, secured a unlikely automatic promotion place by finishing second.

"We’re so pleased to bring Omari back on a permanent basis," McKenna told the club's website.

"We think Omari is a fantastic player and person to have at the club for the long-term future. He has a hunger to improve and show that he can compete and thrive in the Premier League."

The deal will help Chelsea further balance their books to comply with Premier League profit and sustainability rules.

The Jamaica international, who represented England until under-19 level, played twice for Chelsea after joining from Arsenal in 2022.

The club announced on Monday the signing of Ben Johnson on a free transfer from West Ham.

English defender Johnson, 24, made 109 senior appearances for the Hammers.

McKenna said: “He [Johnson] is a young and talented defender with good technical quality as well as excellent physical attributes."