Walsall are set to lose star midfielder Isaac Hutchinson this summer to a League One side according to reports.
Having one year left on his deal in the West Midlands, the 24-year-old is on course to move south to Bristol Rovers and join Matt Taylor’s team. An everpresent in the Saddlers’ League Two campaign, he scored 15 goals and added 11 assists across all competitions in a promising season that ended in an 11th-placed finish.
BristolLive is reporting that Gas are closing in on a deal for Hutchinson for an undisclosed fee, with murmurs that there is a buyout clause in his contract at Bescot Stadium. Transfermarkt values the midfielder at €400,000 (£340,000).
Coming through the ranks at Brighton and Hove Albion, Hutchinson has played in the EFL for Forest Green Rovers, Crawley Town and Derby County before moving to Mat Sadler’s side in 2022 on a free transfer from the Rams. Across 106 appearances for Walsall he scored 23 times and made 19 assists.
His stellar season saw him sweep up three awards including the club’s Player of the Season and Goal of the Season for his strike against Colchester United.
Walsall were a dark horse for promotion last season but faltered in the new year following the departure of striker Freddie Draper back to his parent club Lincoln City. Mo Faal signed on loan from West Bromwich Albion in January and provided six goals in 20 appearances.
Rovers are in a fight of their own to keep hold of attacking midfielder Antony Evans, with BristolLive also reporting that League One title winners Portsmouth keeping tabs on the 25-year-old. He provided six goals and as many assists to win Gas’ own Player of the Season award.
Writer’s View
Isaac Hutchinson was brilliant last season so it is unsurprising that League One clubs are on the move for him. He will bring an attacking threat in terms of both goals and passing to Bristol Rovers that will surely propel them up the table from the 15th place they finished last season.
It is a logical transfer should Antony Evans depart the Memorial Stadium this summer to keep continuity in their number 8 roles. Walsall should also get a strong windfall from a deal made in which they can invest across the squad and have a second crack at play-offs next season. Having signed Hutchinson on a free, the profit margins that will come about with this deal are immense for the club.
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