Omari Hutchinson posted a farewell message for the Chelsea fanbase on Instagram as he completed his permanent move to Ipswich Town.

The 20-year-old spent last season on loan with the Tractor Boys as they pulled off back-to-back promotions under Kieran McKenna to return to the Premier League after a 22-year absence.

As reported by Sky Sports, the deal is worth £18 million along with performance-related add-ons. While the amount is rather steep, it reflects how high the Blues regard the teenager’s potential.

Hutchinson spent four years at Chelsea as a kid (2008–12) before spending time at the academies of Charlton Athletic (2012–14) and Arsenal (2015-22). He returned to the Chelsea academy for a year (2022–23) before breaking into the senior setup. He made two senior appearances for the Blues before moving to Ipswich Town on a season-long loan.

Hutchinson and Town kick off their 2024/25 Premier League campaign against Liverpool on August 17.

Hutchinson a causality of Chelsea’s PSR targets

Chelsea would ideally have preferred to keep a player as exciting as Hutchinson on their books, but they also needed to book the pure profit selling an academy product brings to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) in order to continue their spending spree.

And so Hutchinson becomes a causality borne out of Chelsea’s predicament. Of course, he has a better chance at succeeding with Ipswich Town where he will get more minutes and one wishes him all the best, but it’s important Chelsea also play their hands well this season.

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One also cannot rule out a return to Stamford Bridge for Hutchinson in a not-too-distant future.