Wonderkid Ali Al-Hamadi is being strongly linked with a move to Leeds United before January, and his boss Johnnie Jackson now says he would not swap the star for any other player in League Two.
Al-Hamadi, 21, has been in stunning form for Wimbledon this season – scoring 14 goals and laying on six assists. Since joining in January, 44 appearances, 24 goals and seven assists for the fourth-tier outfit.
Reports say that Leeds, Sunderland, Derby and Blackburn are all interested in signing the Iraq striker, who is rated at a fee of £1.5m. Darragh MacAnthony has ruled out a move to League One Peterborough.
Wimbledon will be hopeful of keeping him until the end of the season at least but their resolve will surely be tested in the winter window. Especially, if available for £1.5m. Jackson has raved about Al-Hamadi.
The London Football Scene write: ‘The trust Johnnie Jackson places in Al-Hamadi has clearly paid off with the Dons boss now claiming he wouldn’t swap his star striker for any other player in the league.
“He’s as good as it gets at this level. Probably not reflected in the numbers at the start of the season, but I think he’s shown all year he’s a threat. There’s no player I’d rather have. We’re lucky to have him.”
Boss won’t swap Leeds target Ali Al-Hamadi for another player
What next? Do Leeds make a move in January? Do we even need the Iraq ace? It may all depend on what happens with Joe Gelhardt, Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford in the January transfer window.
You would imagine Bamford will sit tight, perhaps until the summer. Joseph is starring to become more involved and Gelhardt came on at the weekend – Daniel Farke informing Gelhardt he is staying at Leeds.
If any one of those three leaves, then Al-Hamadi could be targeted. Leeds may also decide to sign the striker, but loan him back to Wimbledon. It remains to be seen if Leeds will make a move, but he is a star.
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