"I hear" - Insider confirms West Ham interest in Ipswich Town star | OneFootball

West Ham are eyeing up a potential move involving Omari Hutchinson this summer

West Ham are weighing up a move for Ipswich Town forward Omari Hutchinson as a potential replacement for Mohammed Kudus this summer.

According to Football Insider, the Hammers have sent scouts to watch the winger while he’s competed in the European Championship for England at U21 level.

Hutchinson was part of the side that won the international tournament, with Lee Carsley’s team beating Germany 3-2 in the final on Saturday.

The 21-year-old scored in the final, with the forward also contributing three goals and two assists in the Premier League last season, with Ipswich suffering relegation back to the Championship.

West Ham eye Omari Hutchinson

Former scout for the likes of Man United and Blackburn Rovers Mike Brown has claimed that West Ham have been watching Hutchinson ahead of a potential move this summer.

He believes that the London outfit could push for a move if Kudus departs Graham Potter’s side, amid speculation over his future with the club.

“West Ham have been having a look at Omari Hutchinson,” said Brown, via Football Insider.

“Scouts were watching him for the England Under-21s and I hear they were impressed by what they saw.

“That tournament has done him a few favours because it’s sparked more interest in his situation when it looked to have died down a bit.

“He’s certainly a talented player and he’s got a bit of something about him.

“In my opinion, he’s still a bit raw and need to become more consistent to really do it at the top level.

“But West Ham will know the positives and negatives and then they’ll come to a conclusion about whether he’s the right man for them.

“If they’re going to lose Kudus, and it looks like they might, they will need to replace him.

“Hutchinson is seen as the ideal fit for that role.

“He’s got this release clause in his Ipswich contract, and if West Ham make a significant chunk of money from the Kudus deal, they can use that to bring him in.”

Omari Hutchinson’s Ipswich future

It has been reported by The Telegraph that Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move for Kudus, which could open the door for Hutchinson’s departure from Ipswich.

It was claimed by Football Insider in May that the forward has a release clause in his contract worth £35 million.

The 21-year-old originally joined the Tractor Boys from Chelsea on loan in the 2023 summer transfer window, before making the permanent switch in 2024 after Premier League promotion was secured.

Hutchinson has contributed a total of 13 goals and six assists from 75 league games at Portman Road.

Hutchinson’s summer performances have raised his stock

Hutchinson performed well for the England U21 side this summer, and his goal in the final rounded off an impressive campaign that will have caught peoples’ attention.

It’s no surprise that a club like West Ham would be keen on a move, especially with speculation surrounding Kudus.

The winger is still only 21, has Premier League experience under his belt now, and is available at a reasonably affordable £35 million.

He has a lot of potential, and could thrive working under a manager like Potter.