Nottingham Forest Bid ‘Rejected’ for Player ‘Key’ to Summer Tournament Win

The CAS decision, regarding which English teams will play in the Europa League and the Conference League, is yet to be made. However, the club are running out of time before the start of the Premier League season, and so they must continue with their summer business regardless. Nottingham Forest have just had a bid rejected for Omari Hutchinson.

Nottingham Forest Have Bid ‘Rejected’ for Summer Tournament Star

Higher Price Demanded

David Ornstein, of The Athletic, has revealed that Forest have submitted a healthy £35 million proposal for Hutchinson. However, Ipswich Town have “rejected” this; if, and only if, a sale were to happen, they would want a higher fee. The Tractor Boys paid over £20 million for the attacking midfielder just a year ago.

Forest will also have to compete with Brentford. The Bees have similarly bid £35 million, revealed on July 16, as they look to replace Bryan Mbeumo. Ornstein reports that they “remain interested”, though no second approach has been made yet.

Is Omari Hutchinson the Anthony Elanga Replacement?

After losing Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United, Forest need another star winger, and fans may be expecting Hutchinson to be this replacement. In terms of position and quality, this may well be true: he is more than capable of playing on the wing. However, he may actually be a more direct profile than the Swede, as shown by his goal in the final of the U21 Euros, which he was “key” to them winning. Elanga managed an impressive 12 assists last season, whilst Hutchinson may contribute slightly more in terms of goals.

Furthermore, the 21-year-old could slot in as an attacking midfielder. This has been his main position, particularly at Portman Road. Across his career he has played in a central role just as many times as he has on the right. Morgan Gibbs-White will now stay at the City Ground, despite Tottenham Hotspur’s best efforts, but Hutchinson can provide cover for him or even be the long-term replacement, should Spurs (or anyone else) come in next summer.