- Everton are set to sign Dundee United striker Kai Hutchison this summer.
- The clubs are locked in compensation talks after he rejected a professional contract.
- Wolves also been credited with interest in the 16-year-old Scotland youth international.
Everton look set to win the race for Kai Hutchison, the 16-year-old Dundee United striker who rejected the chance to sign a professional contract at Tannadice and has set his sights on a move to Merseyside.
The clubs are currently in compensation talks with a view to a transfer, with United pushing for a fee that reflects both his potential and the investment they’ve made in his development. Because Hutchison hasn’t signed a pro deal, Dundee United can’t block the move – but they can fight for the right value, and they’ve already knocked back six-figure offers for him in the past.
It’s a story that’s familiar. Rory Wilson went from Rangers to Aston Villa. Brodie Dair left St Johnstone for Fulham. Seb Lochhead moved from Dundee to Wolves. Scottish clubs develop the talent; English clubs come knocking before a professional contract is signed. Hutchison looks like the latest in that line – and one of the most sought-after.
Why Hutchison has caught so many eyes
He joined United’s academy from Banks O’ Dee and quickly made a name for himself. A call-up to the Scotland Under-16 side followed, where he scored twice against Spain – not a bad way to get yourself noticed.
At club level, he was turning out in adult football for United’s B team and training with Jim Goodwin’s senior squad, making him one of the youngest players to do so.
Wolves had been tracking him since at least January, when TEAMtalk reported they were pushing to land him alongside Aberdeen midfielder Cooper Masson. Whether they’re still in the picture isn’t clear, but the fact that multiple Premier League clubs were circling says a lot about how highly Hutchison is rated.
What it means for Everton
A three-year deal at the Hill Dickinson has been reported as the likely outcome, with the compensation figure the only remaining sticking point.
For Everton, landing a player of Hutchison’s profile – before he’s even put pen to paper on his first professional contract – is exactly the kind of low-key, high-upside move that good academies are built on.
He won’t be anywhere near the first team yet, but if he develops anything like his reputation suggests, they’ll be glad they moved quickly.
