Omari Hutchinson backed to prove doubters wrong after AC Milan loan

Omari Hutchinson has been backed to make an impact at AC Milan despite doubts in Italy following his difficult spell with Nottingham Forest.

The 22-year-old completed a season-long loan move to Milan on Deadline Day, temporarily ending his time at the City Ground just one year after Forest paid €43.4million to sign him.

Hutchinson recorded only one goal and eight assists across 42 appearances last season before falling out of the picture following Oliver Glasner's arrival.

However, Italian journalist Giuseppe Pastore believes Milan may have secured a player whose qualities have been underestimated.

“He is better than people say,” Pastore told Cronache di Spogliatoio, via Milan News.

Pastore believes Hutchinson was specifically requested by Milan coach Ruben Amorim and expects him to operate primarily as a right-sided attacking midfielder behind Goncalo Ramos.

“In reality, he has flashes of brilliance, speed, and even a bit of the flair and showiness of a trickster,” he explained.

The major challenge will be adapting tactically to Italian football.

Pastore has no concerns about whether Hutchinson possesses the necessary physical attributes for Serie A after his experience in the Premier League. Instead, he believes the winger's success will depend on his mentality and ability to understand Amorim's tactical demands.

“The qualities are there, and I don't question the speed of a Premier League player,” he said. “It comes down to the mental and tactical aspects.”

One potential complication is the temporary nature of Hutchinson's move.

Pastore suggested players arriving on loans with little prospect of becoming permanent signings can sometimes feel they have simply been “parked” at another club.

But he believes Hutchinson can overcome that issue if he embraces Milan and quickly establishes himself in Amorim's plans.

“If he clicks and takes a liking to the atmosphere, the team, and the environment, he's certainly not a player to be written off.”

After struggling to justify Forest's substantial investment, Milan now offers Hutchinson an immediate opportunity to rebuild his reputation.

Hutchinson must quickly establish himself under Amorim, with the right-sided attacking midfield position potentially offering him a route into Milan's starting XI.

The loan provides an opportunity to reset after his difficult Forest spell. If Hutchinson adapts to Serie A and produces consistently, he can significantly improve his reputation regardless of whether his future ultimately lies in Milan or Nottingham.