Wigan Athletic have snapped up Cameroon international midfielder Salomon Olembe.
Olembe has won 60 caps for Cameroon, including playing for the Indomitable Lions at the World Cup, and had a spell with Leeds in the 2003-04 season.
Hutchings was delighted to have signed the player, who can operate on the left and should provide cover for the departure of Leighton Baines to Everton.
"Hopefully there will be no problems, Salomon will come in and give us competition for places," Hutchings told Wigan World.
"He knows what it's like over here, he speaks the language which is very, very important, and he gives us good quality.
"Places are up for grabs and players will be chasing that shirt to make sure they get it."