Luton Town have finished transfer deadline day with the signing of a former Premier League striker from Ipswich Town.
Ali Al-Hamadi has signed for the League One side on a season-long-loan deal. The 23-year-old’s signature includes an obligation of a permanent move should certain criteria be met.
Who is Ali Al-Hamadi?
Al-Hamadi was born in Iraq but at the beginning of the Iraq War moved to Liverpool and joined Tranmere Rovers. The 23-year-old joined various clubs including Swansea City, Wycombe Wanderers and Bromley before moving to AFC Wimbledon in 2023.
It was with the Dons side that the striker showcased his ability, scoring 27 goals in 48 appearances. His performances earned him a move to Ipswich Town who he helped win promotion to the Premier League in 2024.
After a loan spell at Stoke City in the second half of the 2024-25 season, Al-Hamadi has dropped down to League One and signed for Luton Town.
What could Ali Al-Hamadi bring to Luton Town?
Considering his dramatic rise through the pyramid, it is evident that Al-Hamadi has the capability to improve Luton Town. His game will no doubt have developed and improved having made 11 Premier League appearances last season.
One attribute of Al-Hamadi’s that could be utilised is his dribbling ability. The 23 year old has the capability to take on opposition defenders using his pace and power.
Whilst at Stoke last season, the 23-year-old completed an average of 1.4 successful dribbles and won 6.14 duels per 90 minutes. Al-Hamadi’s understanding and reading of the game allows himself to get into good positions and score goals.
He consistently occupies good positions in attack as shown by his average of 5.82 touches in the opposition box during his loan spell last season. His goalscoring record during the 2023-24 season for both AFC Wimbledon and Ipswich shows how he could benefit Matt Bloomfield’s side.
Al-Hamadi scored an average of 0.59 and 1.28 goals per 90 minutes in League Two and the Championship respectively. Taking this into account, a drop down into League One could be of significant benefit to both Al-Hamadi and Luton Town.
Is Ali Al-Hamadi a good signing for Luton Town?
Al-Hamadi’s new manager, Matt Bloomfield, is excited by the prospect of the 23-year-old in his side:
“I’m really excited about this one. I’ve been a long-time admirer of his, and it’s a real signing of intent”
“He’s an incredible man, someone who is comfortable in himself and isn’t afraid to speak his mind. As a player, he’s got pace and power and wants to get in behind and score goals”
Considering his goalscoring record for AFC Wimbledon, it is clear to see the potential impact that Al-Hamadi could have for Luton. The Hatters are currently ranked 11th in League One for goals per match with 1.3 goals.
The Bedfordshire side will likely need to improve this figure should they be looking to challenge for promotion. This is where the 23-year-old could have an impact at Kenilworth Road.
There is a possibility that Al-Hamadi could struggle for game-time to start. Luton Town have signed Jerry Yates and Nahki Wells this transfer window which, alongside other strikers in the squad, provides significant competition.
Despite this, the striker still has a significant portion of his career and development remaining at the age of 23. Taking this into account, Luton Town may have signed the striker that could improve with regular game time and score a significant proportion of their goals this season.
