What Sam Morsy has said on Ipswich Town, Omari Hutchinson transfer situation | OneFootball

Former Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy has given his verdict on winger Omari Hutchinson's imminent move to Nottingham Forest.

Former Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy has suggested that winger Omari Hutchinson's departure from Portman Road could have been handled better ahead of his imminent move to Nottingham Forest.

After helping Ipswich to promotion to the Premier League in the 2023-24 season during his loan spell, Hutchinson joined the club on a permanent basis from Chelsea last summer for an initial fee of £20 million, plus a further £2.5 million in performance-related add-ons.

It was a tough campaign for the Tractor Boys last season as they were relegated from the top flight, but Hutchinson was one of their better performers as he scored three goals and provided two assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.

After a summer of speculation over his future, Hutchinson missed Ipswich's opening league game of the season at Birmingham City last Friday night due to illness, and he was also left out of the squad for the EFL Cup tie at Bromley on Tuesday night, with manager Kieran McKenna revealing post-match that he requested not to play as he "felt he couldn't contribute today with the situation as it is".

McKenna also confirmed that Hutchinson had made his desire to move back to the Premier League clear, and it seems he is set to get his wish, with journalist Fabrizio Romano reporting that Nottingham Forest are closing in on the signing of the 21-year-old for a fee of £37 million.

Sam Morsy weighs in on Omari Hutchinson, Ipswich Town transfer saga

As Hutchinson prepares to complete his move to Forest, former Ipswich captain Morsy, who departed the club to join Kuwait SC this summer, claimed that the saga could have been handled better by all parties, and he urged Tractor Boys supporters not to forget the winger's contribution during his time at Portman Road.

"The ugly side of football," Morsy said on X.

"When a club no longer wants you, whether it be performance based or political based they will do what ever it takes to get you out the club. Name off locker, train with the under 21s, completely discarded. Manager and staff no longer even recognising you.

"So when players get close to really good moves and they feel the value is matched players and representatives have now a strong stance.

"There is no right or wrong in all of this.

"Young Omari and the club have done exceptionally well for each other. Without knowing the ins and outs the transition should have been smoother and both player and club should have been happy.

"A pivotal player in promotion a great team mate a good profit for the club.

"Hopefully his contribution will be not forgotten by the ITFC family."

In a later post, Morsy revealed that he expects Ipswich to reinvest the money they will earn from Hutchinson's sale to bolster their squad, writing: "Anyway guys club will re invest strongly now .. and the feel good factor will be back straight away as the PL push is in full force good luck."

Ipswich Town supporters will have mixed emotions as Omari Hutchinson nears Portman Road exit

Morsy's comments have certainly sparked debate among Ipswich supporters, with some agreeing with their former captain that the club could have dealt with Hutchinson's exit better, while others remain angry with the winger for refusing to play.

On the one hand, it was always likely that the Tractor Boys were going to lose Hutchinson this summer following relegation, so they perhaps could have sanctioned his departure earlier in the transfer window to avoid the saga running into the start of the season.

However, on the other hand, Ipswich are well within their rights to hold out for what they feel is a fair valuation for one of their prized assets, and there is no doubt that the £37 million fee they are set to receive from Forest is excellent business for the club.