Chelsea are about to make millions from quiet transfer masterstroke

Chelsea could be in line for a hefty windfall this summer after inserting a savvy clause in the contract that took Omari Hutchinson to Ipswich Town last year.

Hutchinson is now courting the attention of several top clubs after a strong two seasons with the Tractor Boys. The 21-year-old first joined Ipswich on loan in the summer of 2023, where went on to score 11 goals and pick up six assists in their promotion-winning campaign.

Town boss Kieran McKenna then wished to sign the youngster on a permanent deal and so Hutchinson joined the club last summer for £22 million. However, Chelsea included a clever sell-on clause for Hutchinson, meaning if the talented starlet is to move once again, Chelsea and co-owner Todd Boehly could pocket 25% of any fee.

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It's believed that Chelsea also have first refusal on the player if another club attempts to sign Hutchinson, with the player having the final say. The Blues' smart play now means they could be in line for a nice windfall, with the former Arsenal youngster now worth just shy of £19m, according to Transfermarkt.

The clause resembles the trick that Arsenal orchestrated when they sold Hutchinson back to Chelsea in 2022. Hutchinson originally came through the ranks at Cobham but moved to Charlton Athletic in 2012 and then to the Gunners in 2015.

After Chelsea decided to being Hutchinson back to west London, Arsenal negotiated a sell-on clause reported to be somewhere between 15 and 20%, meaning they also gained a handsome sum when Chelsea sold Hutchinson to Ipswich last year.

It's now looking likely Chelsea could see money for Hutchinson sooner rather than later. Reports suggest that the tricky winger is a target for Everton, Brentford, West Ham and Fulham. Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are also said to be keen.

It's believed the 21-year-old would like to continue to play at the highest level too, a factor the relegated Ipswich can't provide at this current time. His stats seem to back up his confidence.

Across Europe’s top-five leagues, only Liverpool's new star Florian Wirtz and PSG's exciting winger Doue completed more dribbles this season than Hutchinson, who managed 95.

Hutchinson's expected fee of around £19m seems modest when compared with the £100m, rising to £116, that Liverpool just shelled out for Wirtz. Doue is also now in the bracket of the most in demand stars in Europe after his heroics helped PSG to the Champions League in May.

While far from prolific, Hutchinson did show he can mix it with the best this season. Goals against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea all saw his stock rise.

After first representing Jamaica at international level, Hutchinson then made his debut for England Under 21s in August 2024. Speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times this March, the youngster opened up on what it means to him to play at the highest level.

"It’s a dream come true for me to play in the Premier League, facing the biggest teams in the world. All I’ve tried to do is perform as best as I can. There’s been a lot of ups and downs, but I think it builds character for me and the team as well."