Crystal Palace should consider signing 20-year-old former Arsenal whiz who is currently on fire in the Championship.
This summer, the likelihood of Michael Olise departing Selhurst Park is thought to be high as he’s being courted by several teams right now.
Such an integral part of Oliver Glasner‘s squad – although yet to feature under the Austrian – it would be a heavy loss to see Olise walk out the door.
With this in mind, Dougie Freedman must get it right this summer when replacing the 22-year-old French talent at Crystal Palace.
Thus far, it’s appeared to be Matias Soule who is favoured as the ideal signing for this role – and he would be an excellent pick-up. But there might just be someone better currently in the Championship.
- READ MORE: Who is Michael Olise? The Crystal Palace wonderkid that Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City missed
Dougie Freedman must make Omari Hutchinson signing this summer
With Soule set to cost close to £40m, Palace could be more inclined to search for a more affordable option and given Freedman’s speciality in recruiting from the Championship, Omari Hutchinson could be the better choice.
Hutchinson came through at Arsenal before joining Chelsea in 2022 but he’s made himself a prospective Premier League target this season through excellent performances while on loan with Ipswich.
The youngster has seven goals and five assists this season for Kieran McKenna’s side who are firmly in the title race now with promotion looking a real likelihood.
Capable of playing in a range of attacking positions, but he’s enjoyed the most success on the right – as seen in his latest appearance last weekend with a goal.
20-year-old Hutchinson has always been tipped as a top prospect with legendary Brazilian Pele even praising him back when the wonderkid was just 12.
How much might Omari Hutchinson cost Crystal Palace?
While Hutchinson will be returning to Chelsea in June, the good news for Palace is that the Blues have already proven they’re more than willing to sell their youth prospects.
Marc Guehi is one that Palace have benefitted from in the past, and with Hutchinson’s market value low – we struggle to see his transfer fee breaking the £20m mark.
This could be potentially half the fee that Juventus want for Soule – leaving a substantial amount to be invested elsewhere.
However, Palace will need to move fast if they’re to secure Hutchinson given Fabrizio Romano has already reported several European sides being interested.
A smart move, that would make sense under Freedman’s recruitment style which has been successful to date, let’s see if it happens.
