Nottingham Forest have agreed to sign Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town in a deal worth £37.5million. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder is set to undergo a medical on Friday, with personal terms expected to be straightforward. If completed, this would surpass Forest’s previous transfer record—the £35m signing of Dan Ndoye from Bologna last month.
Forest are also pursuing Rennes forward Arnaud Kalimuendo, with a potential £26m deal, and are close to signing Manchester City midfielder James McAtee, as they prepare for their first European campaign in 30 years.
Hutchinson played 32 times for Ipswich last season, scoring three goals and providing two assists, as the club finished 19th in the Premier League and were relegated. He previously spent time in Chelsea’s academy, came through Arsenal’s youth system, and returned to Chelsea in 2022, making just two first-team appearances.
Loaned to Ipswich for the 2023-24 season, Hutchinson featured in 50 games, helping the club earn promotion to the top flight for the first time in 22 years. He joined Ipswich permanently last summer in a record £22.5m deal. Internationally, Hutchinson has represented England at under-21 level, winning the European Championship in June, and has made two senior appearances for Jamaica.
Forest have already strengthened their squad with Ndoye, defender Jair Cunha from Botafogo, and free-agent goalkeeper Angus Gunn, while showing interest in Fulham winger Adama Traore and USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah. The club’s ambition to break their transfer record again demonstrates their intent to build a competitive squad under Nuno Espirito Santo ahead of a potentially landmark season.
The club benefits from the £52m sale of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle, giving them room to bolster their squad ahead of European football. Hutchinson, with Premier League experience and high potential, fits perfectly into Forest’s blueprint as they prepare for Europa League action.
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