Halifax Town have been rocked by a shock transfer development, involving star midfielder Josh Hmami.
The 26-year-old joined the Shaymen on a free transfer in the summer following his impressive stint with King’s Lynn Town and has maintained that form during the current campaign.
Unsurprisingly, that form has alerted interest, which is common during the January transfer window, and could provide a large thorn in Halifax’s play-off aspirations.
Halifax Town rocked by Hmami’s request
Winning December’s National League Player of the Month award and contributing to 13 league goals so far this season, it’s fair to say that midfielder Josh Hmami has been an integral part of Adam Lakeland’s side this season.
This form has played a key role in their ongoing play-off aspirations, with the club currently finding themselves eighth in the National League table, just three points shy of Southend United.
However, journalist Pete O’Rourke has reported that Hmami has handed in a transfer request with the National League side – following interest from several EFL teams.
O’Rourke hasn’t listed any sides in particular as of yet, but the news itself is likely to be a huge setback for the club, ahead of Saturday’s fixture against Boston United.
Whether Hmami is involved remains to be seen, though his draught against Forest Green was the first time in eight games that he hasn’t contributed to a goal for Halifax.
Is he EFL ready?
Hmami has had limited EFL experience during his stint with Accrington Stanley at the early stages of his career, though the rest of his time has been spent either in the Welsh Premiership or the Non-League scene.
Last season, Hmami contributed to 12 goals in 37 matches for King’s Lynn in the National League North which led to his move to Halifax last summer.
In just 24 outings, Hmami has already beat his tally from the previous campaign and has found the clinical edge in the final third rather than being the provider.
The 26-year-old is versatile, being able to play up front, out-wide or behind the striker in a number ten-like role.
Though he has experience and is in form, the jump into the EFL always poses a risk due to the increased quality and competitive nature of the divisions themselves.
Whether he’s ready for EFL football remains to be seen. It also remains to be seen whether Halifax approve of the request and cash in on the playmaker, or whether they see a way in which they can keep him happy and maintain his position at the club rather than selling.