Oxford United have been linked with a move for Ipswich Town and Iraq striker Ali Al-Hamadi, with Indonesian news outlet BolaSport reporting that the club are looking for a loan move.
Al-Hamadi well and truly burst onto the scene for AFC Wimbledon during the first half of last season, putting up 13 goals and six assists in 23 games. Those performances for the Dons earned him a deserved move to then-Championship side Ipswich Town, who he helped achieve promotion to England’s top flight.
Despite making just one start for the Tractor Boys, Al-Hamadi was incredibly effective off of the bench, making 13 substitute appearances and scoring four times. He wasn’t fazed by the drastic step-up in quality, and continued to progress during his time at Portman Road.
However Ipswich’s promotion to the Premier League could mean that the Iraqi international receives fewer opportunities next term and a loan move back to the Championship could further aid his development.
Oxford United are the side who have been linked with the striker, who has 12 caps at an international level, and they could be a good suitor. Having achieved promotion to the Championship for the first time in their history, it is highly likely that the U’s will be dependent on the loan market, and Ipswich will want their man to gain further experience in the Championship.
Des Buckingham’s side know that they will be facing an uphill battle pitched into the second division but adding Al-Hamadi into their ranks will certainly boost their survival chances.
It’s been a rather meteoric rise for the striker, who at this point last season, was still fairly unproven in the EFL. At 22 years-of-age, the Iraqi has bundles of potential and consistent minutes at a high level will no doubt accelerate his growth compared to sitting on the bench in the top flight.
Writer’s View
What a pick up for Oxford United this would be. Al-Hamadi rightly earned himself a big move to Ipswich in January and proved himself at the level despite not receiving too many opportunities. The Premier League may be a step too far at the minute, but he could become quite the asset at the level.
Having gained a shock promotion via the League One play-offs last term, the U’s are no doubt one of the favourites for relegation. Des Buckingham knows that his budget will not be able to match the majority of those in the division, but smart recruitment as well as utilising the loan market, will certainly aid their chances.
