Carlton Palmer has told Football League World that Wimbledon talent Ali Al-Hamadi “fits the bill” for Sunderland with the Black Cats and Leeds United said to be keen on the Iraq star ahead of January.
Al-Hamadi, 21, has caught the eye with League Two side Wimbledon since joining the club in January. In the second half of last term, he scored an impressive 10 goals in 19. This season, he’s played 17 times.
In that time, he has had a hand in 10 more goals – scoring five, laying on five assists. Al-Hamadi’s form is now attracting interest. South London Press journalist Edmund Brack says Leeds were interested in him.
Then, The Mirror’s Darren Witcoop said Stoke, Cardiff, Bristol City and Hull were also looking at him – a fee £1m-plus needed. SI said Sunderland are keen. Palmer says he fits the bill for Tony Mowbray’s side.
“Sunderland are struggling for goals by strikers. They recruited four strikers in the summer and they haven’t scored a goal. This season, Al-Hamadi has continued to impress without scoring the goals.
“Whether he will be the solution to Sunderland’s striker problems remains to be seen, but he fits the criteria Sunderland are looking for; signing young players, with ability, and he undoubtedly fits the bill.”
Carlton Palmer: Leeds target Ali Al-Hamadi fits bill for Sunderland
Al-Hamadi is clearly a talent with enormous potential and as Palmer says, Sunderland have prided their success on signing young players – especially, in attack. Raw talent, that have grown in red and white.
Where is best for him? A Championship side, but a second-tier club that will allow him to remain first choice or at least, a pathway into one of the clubs mentioned. Leeds cannot offer him that right now.
Sunderland, too – given they were busy in the summer in terms of strikers. A Hull, a Cardiff even a Stoke would be able to offer Al-Hamadi plenty of game time in order to further his potential into proven quality.
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