Journalist Nizaar Kinsella has stated on the London Is Blue Podcast that he would be ‘surprised’ if Chelsea youngster Omari Hutchinson doesn’t make his professional debut in 2023.
The 19-year-old was given the nod for the Blues in their mid-season friendly against Aston Villa. Hutchinson got a full runout, playing the entire 90 minutes. The winger was even highlighted in the club’s match report of the clash between the two Premier League sides for his ‘bright’ showing.
However, it would finish 1-0 to Villa thanks to an early strike from John McGinn. The majority of Chelsea’s lineup was made up of youngsters and fringe players, so it wasn’t an awful display against a strong side.
And Kinsella has tipped big things ahead for the youngster, stating: “They’ve gained a top-class dribbler in Omari Hutchinson, who proved again, he was one of the best players, if not the best player on the pitch.
“He was again a massive goal threat, he hit the post with a stunning dribble and shot, he had other moments in the game as well. So he’s a player we’re all keeping an eye on.
“If he doesn’t make his debut in 2023, then I’m going to be very surprised.”
TIF Thoughts on Kinsella’s comments…
We believe that there are two likely outcomes for Hutchinson once 2023 rolls around.
The first is that manager Graham Potter will look to give him some first-team opportunities either in the FA Cup or through cameos in the Premier League.
Hutchinson is yet to make a professional appearance for the Blues as of yet, however, he has featured on the bench in league clashes against Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion, so this certainly seems a possibility.
Another option would be a potential loan move for the second half of the season in the January transfer window. There was interest from Championship side Reading for a loan back in the summer, according to TEAMtalk. Perhaps the Royals or another side in the division will plot another attempt for a January loan.
He’s definitely got the potential to become an exciting talent in the future. Hutchinson has nine goal contributions from 11 Premier League 2 matches.
And in order to get him to that next level, we think Chelsea should look to offer the 19-year-old more first-team action, whether that be with the Blues or somewhere else on loan.