Ipswich Town is eyeing AFC Wimbledon’s forward Ali Al-Hamadi as a potential target for their striker position.
The East Anglian Daily Times (EADT) and Ipswich Star have learned that the Blues intend to negotiate a deal for the 21-year-old before the upcoming Thursday’s deadline at 11 pm.
Al-Hamadi, who has netted an impressive 27 goals in 48 games for League Two side Wimbledon, is presently competing in the Asian Cup with Iraq. Despite being on the bench for the initial two matches, Al-Hamadi commenced the game in a 3-2 victory against Vietnam yesterday. Iraq has secured the top spot in Group D with maximum points, including a notable triumph against Japan. They stand a chance to progress far in the tournament, which concludes on February 10.
Raised in Liverpool, Al-Hamadi began his football journey as a youth player at Tranmere before transitioning to Swansea’s academy at 15. Following a trial at Derby County, he signed for League One’s Wycombe Wanderers in November 2021 and was promptly loaned to National League club Bromley. He made 13 appearances for Wycombe in the first half of the previous season, mainly as a substitute, before joining AFC Wimbledon in the January transfer window.
Due to his impressive performances for AFC Wimbledon, the 6ft 2in forward, who is also versatile enough to play wide, has attracted interest from clubs like Leeds, Sunderland, Blackburn, Derby, and Peterborough in recent months. AFC Wimbledon, currently positioned 10th in League Two, has expressed their reluctance to sell Al-Hamadi in January, as articulated by manager Johnnie Jackson after a 1-0 defeat to Sutton on Boxing Day.
Reports suggest that Wimbledon is seeking a transfer fee of approximately £1.5m for Al-Hamadi, whose contract runs until 2025. With injuries to George Hirst, Tottenham’s recall of Dane Scarlett, and Freddie Ladapo’s loan to Charlton, Town boss Kieran McKenna faces a shortage of striking options as the team aims for consecutive promotions to the Premier League. Kayden Jackson has led the attack in the last two games, with Nathan Broadhead occasionally filling in as the central striker.
It is understood that Ipswich Town ideally aims to secure the services of two new strikers before the impending deadline. Bournemouth’s Kieffer Moore remains a target for loan, although Ipswich may find themselves unable to afford the move due to Financial Fair Play restrictions. Discussions with Blackburn regarding Sam Gallagher have stalled, but they could be revisited. On the other hand, Fulham’s Jay Stansfield, another target, will stay at Birmingham City for the remainder of the season.
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