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“Is McKenna About to Unleash His Next Hutchinson? Meet Ipswich’s ‘Special’ Rising Star
On Saturday, Ipswich Town’s Premier League hopes suffered a major blow, as Vitor Pereira’s Wolverhampton Wanderers fought back to defeat Kieran McKenna’s side 2-1.
Ipswich initially took a narrow one-goal lead in the first half through Liam Delap, but Wolves ultimately sealed a dramatic victory, increasing the gap between Ipswich in 18th and Wolves in 17th to a significant nine points.
As a result, McKenna will likely be preparing for a swift return to the Championship, hoping that Omari Hutchinson remains in Suffolk should relegation be confirmed.
Hutchinson’s Heroics at Ipswich
Hutchinson’s best performances in an Ipswich shirt came during their last spell in the Championship.
The former Chelsea player scored 10 goals and provided 6 assists during Ipswich’s promotion-winning 2023/24 season, helping McKenna’s side secure a £20m deal for the talented winger.
Since moving to the Premier League, Hutchinson has adapted well to top-flight football, despite Ipswich’s likely return to the Championship.
He has contributed five goals and assists from 27 league appearances, including a notable goal against Chelsea in December.
If Hutchinson stays, he will hope to stay injury-free after a season disrupted by setbacks, with the 21-year-old missing Ipswich’s heavy defeat to Wolves.
However, regardless of Hutchinson’s future, McKenna knows he has another potential star in the making—someone with the same exciting qualities that Hutchinson demonstrated in the Championship.
McKenna’s Next Hutchinson
As relegation seems inevitable, those at Portman Road will hope that, with key players in place, Ipswich can quickly mount a challenge for an immediate Premier League return.
Having a talent like Jaden Philogene-Bidace will certainly aid this effort.
The former Hull City player dazzled in the second tier, leaving defences in his wake as Ipswich pushed for automatic promotion.
Philogene impressed during his time with Hull, even outshining Hutchinson with more goal contributions in fewer matches.
McKenna will place his full trust in Philogene to maintain his dynamic form should Ipswich return to the Championship, with the winger’s stunning effort for Hull last season earning him a Puskas Award nomination.
Acknowledged as a “special” talent by his former Hull manager Liam Rosenior, McKenna will hope Philogene can replicate Hutchinson’s impact and help secure an immediate promotion.
With Philogene’s ability, Ipswich could be even more formidable, especially considering Hull’s near-miss on the playoffs despite his brilliance.
Whatever happens this summer, Ipswich will be determined not to dwell on their relegation, with a strong foundation in place to challenge for a top finish in the Championship—provided players like Philogene can excite and perform as Hutchinson did.
