AC Milan Consider Starting Omari Hutchinson Against Benfica

AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim is weighing a start for winger Omari Hutchinson in their Europa League opening match against Benfica at San Siro on September 16, 2026, according to reports from Calcio Mercato and Milannews24.

The 22-year-old attacker joined the Italian club late in the summer window on loan from Nottingham Forest. Milan paid a €3.5 million loan fee, which could increase by €500,000 in bonuses, with a buy option valued between €40 million and €50 million.

Hutchinson previously played 18 minutes as a substitute against Lazio after being left on the bench against Juventus. Coaching staff evaluated the former Ipswich Town, Chelsea, and Arsenal player as more prepared than initially anticipated ahead of a congested fixture list.

The move materialized after Hutchinson fell down the pecking order under Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner. The English player had been excluded from Forest's Europa League squad during the previous season.

The player expressed excitement about joining the Serie A side during an interview with Milan's official website following his arrival.

"It's crazy. It's a dream. When a big club like AC Milan come knocking, I think it's crazy to not come," said Omari Hutchinson, winger for AC Milan.

He recalled his initial conversation with head coach Ruben Amorim, who previously managed against him during a match against Manchester United.

"Growing up, my dad always spoke about the big legends coming from this club. To see that I'm here now, it's an amazing feeling," said Omari Hutchinson, winger for AC Milan.

Hutchinson detailed how the manager approached him about his previous performances on the pitch.

"I had a phone call with him. The first thing he said was, 'You scored against me'," said Omari Hutchinson, winger for AC Milan.

The manager reassured the player during their telephone conversation regarding their future collaboration.

"I just laughed on the phone and said sorry. He said, 'No problem, now it's time to do it with us'," said Omari Hutchinson, winger for AC Milan.

Hutchinson shared the positive reinforcement he received from the technical staff.

"He gave me a lot of positive feedback. He wants me in the team. I want to work for him and work for the badge. I can't wait," said Omari Hutchinson, winger for AC Milan.

During an unveiling event at the Via Dante Flagship Store, Hutchinson discussed his ongoing adaptation to life in Italy as reported by MilanNews.

"They're going well. I just had to settle in really quickly. I'm currently staying in a hotel, trying to find an apartment.

It's been fantastic with the group. The coaches are really helping me and they all speak English, so it's been easy for me so far," said Omari Hutchinson, winger for AC Milan.

He noted the support provided by the rest of the squad and management.

"My teammates are also fantastic. Everyone is trying to help me integrate as quickly as possible. And from a playing perspective, I think the coach is trying to ease me in gradually, to get me used to the group, to get me used to being on the bench and understanding the game," said Omari Hutchinson, winger for AC Milan.

The winger described his transition process as smooth up to this point.

"So, yes, from that point of view, the adjustment has been pretty smooth," said Omari Hutchinson, winger for AC Milan.

Hutchinson pointed out what stood out to him most upon arriving at the club.

"The fans. I was struck by how passionate they all are about Milan and how hungry they are: they want to win and see their team succeed," said Omari Hutchinson, winger for AC Milan.

When asked about his preference between scoring goals and providing assists, the attacker emphasized the importance of both skills.

"It depends. Sometimes I like to give assists, it gives me joy, but scoring also gives me a lot of confidence. So I'd say both.

You have to do both: to be a better player, you have to be able to do both. So I try to do that as much as possible," said Omari Hutchinson, winger for AC Milan.

He recounted how the transfer took shape after initial contact from the club management.

"I just think the manager wanted me. I think he spoke to the management, they were also very interested, and it was quite easy because I played against Amorim in the game against Manchester United. I think he was really impressed with me and said he needed a player in that position who was left-footed; he said I fit his criteria, so it wasn't too difficult," said Omari Hutchinson, winger for AC Milan.

Hutchinson remembered the goal he scored against Amorim's former club.

"Yes, I remember the goal. As I said before, in my first match against Amorim I played well. He said I impressed him, and I think that's very important. Since I arrived, he's been helping me a lot, he talks to me often: he's been truly exceptional with me," said Omari Hutchinson, winger for AC Milan.

He addressed the tactical demands of Italian football as explained by his new manager.

"That's the first thing Amorim told me when we spoke on the phone for the first time: he told me I'll have to break down defenses because sometimes teams will play with a low block. I think I have the qualities to do it and I can't wait to get on the pitch," said Omari Hutchinson, winger for AC Milan.

The player admitted his previous familiarity with Serie A was limited mainly to video games and highlights.

"To be honest, no. Obviously I used to see the teams on FIFA, sometimes video highlights on Instagram and things like that, but now that I've moved I've seen a lot more and I'm ready to play it," said Omari Hutchinson, winger for AC Milan.

Hutchinson dismissed suggestions regarding pressure to replace former player Rafael Leao on the pitch.

"Not really. I think we play on different sides of the pitch. He's a left winger, I'm on the right, but obviously I want to have the impact he had when he was doing well here. I believe in myself and I have a job to do," said Omari Hutchinson, winger for AC Milan.

Alphadjo Cisse currently holds a starting position ahead of Hutchinson in Amorim's setup, having scored two goals so far this season.

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