Barnsley have had their approaches rebuffed by AFC Wimbledon for striker Ali Al-Hamadi, according to Football Insider.
The 21-year-old joined the League Two outfit from Wycombe Wanderers in January, making a big impression at Plough Lane with 10 goals in just 19 league appearances.
The striker came through Swansea City’s academy before joining the Chairboys permanently in 2021, shortly after receiving his first international call-up with Iraq.
Although he is yet to get on the scoresheet this season, his form last season has caught the eye of Barnsley, who are on the lookout for another attacker before the end of the transfer window.
The South London club have reportedly rejected the bid, informing the League One club that they will have to increase their offer in order to secure the forward’s signature.
It has also been claimed that there is interest held by multiple clubs in both League One and the Championship for the youngster.
A Summer of Transition
After narrowly missing out on promotion last season, Barnsley have had to face the prospect of a rebuild. A change in management and the departure of key players such as Mads Andersen has meant that recruitment has had to be shrewd this summer.
This has seen the South Yorkshire club dip into the lower league market, with National League trio Andrew Dallas, Kacper Lopata and Kryan Lofthouse coming through the door. Max Watters has also returned to the club on a permanent basis alongside Corey O’Keefe, who impressed at Forest Green Rovers last season.
On the other hand, Wimbledon also find themselves in transition. After two consecutive bottom four finishes, the Dons will be hoping that manager Johnnie Jackson can deliver stability to the club after years of relegation conversations.
Writer’s View
It is not a surprise to see bigger clubs coming in for Al-Hamadi. This is a signing that very much fits the recruitment model at Barnsley, who are on the lookout for a new striker following the departure of James Norwood to Oldham Athletic. However, Wimbledon are within their rights to request the fee they value the player at.
There will undoubtedly be many more twists to this tale, with Barnsley unlikely to be the only club willing to take a punt on the Iraqi international.
