Ipswich Town has finalized the acquisition of striker Ali Al-Hamadi from AFC Wimbledon. The 21-year-old has committed to a long-term contract, binding him to Portman Road until the summer of 2028.
Al-Hamadi, who has tallied 16 goals and seven assists across all competitions this season, recently represented Iraq at the Asian Cup in Qatar. However, he was absent from their recent 3-2 defeat against Jordan in the last 16 of the tournament. Earlier reports from the East Anglian Daily Times (EADT) indicated that the striker had completed a medical assessment over the weekend, with a transfer fee exceeding £1 million agreed upon between Ipswich Town and AFC Wimbledon.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the move in an interview with Town TV, Al-Hamadi stated, “Ipswich is a club that is moving in the right direction, led by a manager renowned for nurturing talent. I believe I am at a stage in my career where I am ready to take the next step, and Ipswich feels like the perfect fit for me.”
He added, “The feedback I’ve received about the club has been overwhelmingly positive, and I am eager to contribute as soon as I return. Ipswich’s style of play, characterized by attractive football with high intensity and energy, aligns well with my strengths, so I am confident that I will integrate smoothly into the team. I am determined to score goals and understand the challenge of competing in the Championship against sharper and more skilled opponents. However, I am fully confident in my abilities, eager to learn, and excited to join my new teammates.”
Manager Kieran McKenna described Al-Hamadi as “a very young exciting striker” who has made a significant impact during his first year of regular senior football at AFC Wimbledon. McKenna emphasized that Al-Hamadi fits Ipswich’s recruitment criteria of being a young, ambitious, athletic, and technically skilled player capable of making an immediate impact while also having the potential for further growth and development.
Despite securing their third signing of the transfer window, it is understood that Ipswich Town is still keen on bolstering their attacking options before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
