Ipswich Town have signed striker, Ali Al-Hamadi from AFC Wimbledon for an undisclosed transfer fee.
Al-Hamadi’s move comes after he enjoyed a stunning first half of the season at AFC Wimbledon, where he scored 17 goals and created seven goals in 29 appearances.
Speaking about his decision to step up from League Two and join Championship high-flying Ipswich, Al-Hamadi stated his belief that he feels ready to make the jump and fight for promotion to the Premier League.
“Ipswich is a club on an upward trajectory, with a manager who is known for developing players, so at this point in my career I feel like I am ready to make the step up and this feels like the perfect fit for me,” commented Al-Hamadi in an interview with TownTV.
“Everyone I have spoken to has given the club unbelievable reviews so I’m just excited to get to work when I get back. Whenever I’ve watched Ipswich it’s attractive football with high intensity and energy, which fits my characteristics well, so I’d say I’m a good fit.
“I am hungry to score goals and understand it’s a step up to the Championship where players are better and sharper, but I’m confident in my ability, I am hungry to learn and am looking forward to joining up with the squad.”
Manager, Kieran McKenna described the 21 year-old as “a very exciting young striker who we feel has great attributes and a lot of room to continue to develop.”
McKenna proceeded to iterate that Al-Hamadi has enjoyed a “really good” year of senior football, having previously struggled for game time at Wycombe Wanderers, during which he scored three goals in 10 appearances in a short loan spell at Bromley.
On the decision to swoop for Al-Hamadi in this transfer window, McKenna said: “He fits our recruitment profile of being a young, hungry, athletic and technical player who we feel can have an impact in the squad straight away, but also has room to grow and develop for the future.”
AFC Wimbledon manager, Jonnie Jackson thanked Al-Hamadi for his “great impact” and contributions over the past year.
Wimbledon’s Head of Football Operations, Craig Cope added that the club had a “strong perference” to sell Al-Hamadi this summer as originally planned at the start of the January transfer window, but felt that Ipswich’s “strong offer” was too good to reject.
Cope however iterated to fans that the sale can be viewed “as a great success for the Club. The work across the football department over the past 12 months has provided a platform for him to improve and thrive, becoming the hottest prospect in the division.”
Al-Hamadi could make his debut for Ipswich in their Championship trip to Preston on Saturday 3 February at 3pm GMT.
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