Johnnie Jackson asked about Barnsley’s reported bid for Wimbledon striker Al-Hamadi
AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson has stated that there is “no desire” to sell forward Ali Al-Hamadi this summer.
It was reported on Friday evening that the Dons had turned down an opening offer from League One side Barnsley.
Wimbledon signed the Iraqi forward on a free transfer from Wycombe. However, the Chairboys have a sizable sell-on clause included in any future sale.
The former Tranmere and Swansea youngster hit 10 goals in the second half of the season for Johnnie Jackson’s side, collecting the club’s Player of the Season award at the end of the campaign.
Al-Hamadi played 78 minutes in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Sutton, but he is yet to get off the mark this season for the South Londoners.
Our paper understands the Dons would be looking for a transfer fee which would exceed the £1.2million they received from Qatari side Al-Wakrah for Ayoub Assal last January.
“Ali is our player,” said Jackson.
“You can see by his performance today that he is completely committed to Wimbledon.
“We have no interest [in letting Ali go].
“He’s a big part of what we’re doing here. He’s a massive part of our future and season.
“If that was a player looking for an out, I don’t think they would put in the type of performance they did today.
“There are no issues at all with him. He’s here and he’s happy being here.”
The 21-year-old has two years remaining on the deal he signed at Plough Lane last January.
Picture : Keith Gillard
When asked if the Dons were going to keep their forward, Jackson replied: “We believe so.
“Football is football. If a Saudi team come in with £10m, it’s not going to be down to me.
“From my end and from what I am being told by the club, there is no appetite to sell Ali whatsoever.
“We don’t need to because of the position we have put ourselves in with previous sales.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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