Ali Al-Hamadi on transfer to ‘amazing club’ Ipswich Town as Dons unable to resist overtures for their prize asset

Ali Al-Hamadi has described his transfer to Ipswich Town as the perfect fit after he completed a permanent move to the Championship high-flyers from AFC Wimbledon.

The Dons wanted to keep hold of their star striker, 21, in the January transfer window but the Tractor Boys lodged a bid which could rise to become a record outgoing fee for a League Two player with add-ons.

The current record is held by Exeter, who sold Ollie Watkins to Brentford in 2017 for £1.8m.

Al-Hamadi’s previous club Wycombe are due a sizeable percentage of the fee after selling the Iraqi international to the Dons in January 2023 with a sell-on clause.

The Toxteth-raised striker scored 27 goals and recorded eight assists in all competitions during his year-long spell with Wimbledon.

Al-Hamadi has signed a deal until 2028 at Portman Road, with Kieran McKenna’s side second in the Championship table and targeting promotion to the Premier League.

“It’s an amazing club on a really upward trajectory,” he told Ipswich’s YouTube channel.

“There is an unbelievable manager who is known for developing players.

“Whenever I watch Ipswich it’s high intensity and being hungry off the ball, with attractive football on the ball.

“It fits my characteristics quite well. I’m quick and powerful and like to get people off their seats. I’m quite a good fit for what’s going on at Ipswich right now.

“At this point, in my career now, I’m ready to take the step up. It’s the perfect fit.

“Everybody I spoke to about the club has given it such good reviews. I’m excited to get to work when I get back.

“I set myself the target at the start of the season for reaching 20 goals, so I’m quite close to that now.

“I love scoring goals – I’m hungry to score goals. I understand it’s a step up now in the Championship. I’m going to have to get sharper and overall better as a player to be able to keep that going.

“I’m confident in myself and my ability – I’m sure I’ll keep that form going until the end of the season.

“I’m a very ambitious person and I want to get to the top level. I’m here to make an impact and to start making my stamp on the team.”

Al-Hamadi became a cult figure under Johnnie Jackson at Plough Lane and quickly endeared himself to the fanbase after scoring 10 goals in his first six months and winning the Player of the Season award.

“What a club Wimbledon is – I can’t thank everyone there enough,” he added. “It came a bit sooner than they and I would have liked, but when a club as big as Ipswich comes knocking, it’s hard not to turn your head.

“It’s become like my family now. I love all the people there and I got so close to all the staff – the manager especially, he’s done an awful lot for me.

“Hopefully I have left the boys in a good enough position now to be able to carry on performing and hopefully they get promoted to League One.”

Dons boss Jackson told Wimbledon’s website: “I’d like to wish Ali all the best for the future. We thank him for his contribution. He has made a great impact in the 12 months he was with us.”

Head of football operations Craig Cope added: “We wish Ali all the best in his future career, we thank him for the impact he made and support his progress from afar as we retain a vested interest.

“The plan was to sell Ali in the summer. This would have been our strong preference. However, Ipswich tabled a strong offer to both parties, and we totally understand the potential opportunity for Ali to play Premier League football next season.

“Although disappointed to lose him in January, I see this 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.”

MAIN PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD