Leeds United are keeping tabs on AFC Wimbledon striker Ali Al-Hamadi ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports, but face some tough competition for his signature.
The South London Press have claimed that the Dons turned down bids from Peterborough United and Barnsley for the 21-year-old during the summer but now Leeds have entered the running for his signature.
Al-Hamadi can play anywhere along the frontline, as per Transfermarkt, but the number ‘9’ position is his favoured spot in the team. The striker has scored four goals and registered five assists in 14 matches this season for the League Two outfit.
The former Wycombe Wanderers man will look to beat last season’s goal tally after scoring 10 goals in merely 19 appearances in the second part of the previous campaign, having signed for Wimbledon in January.
Transfermarkt have valued the Swansea City academy product at £260k, with his valuation having doubled since permanently moving to Plough Lane at the start of the year.
It was reported last week by Sunderland Nation that Sunderland were interested in bringing the Iraq international to the Stadium of Light as Tony Mowbray is looking for a centre-forward to bolster his attacking options beyond the winter.
The Black Cats sent scouts to watch Al-Hamadi in person during Wimbledon’s goalless draw with Barrow in England’s fourth tier two weeks ago but Peterborough United and Barnsley remain interested, alongside Coventry City.
Writer’s View
Al-Hamadi is a player on the rise. Although stints at Wycombe and Swansea didn’t quite work out how he had hoped, the Iraqi has found his goalscoring form at Wimbledon.
However, the jump from League Two to the Championship could be risky for the player but if Sunderland and Leeds are interested, it will be difficult for Al-Hamadi to say no.
