McKenna: Al-Hamadi's Staying Here at the Moment, But That Could Change
Tuesday, 27th Aug 2024 12:39

Blues manager Kieran McKenna says that as it stands the plan is that striker Ali Al-Hamadi will remain at Portman Road rather than moving out on loan, however, that could change before the transfer window closes at 11pm on Friday evening.

Al-Hamadi, 22, has come on as a sub in both Town’s Premier League games so far but could find himself down the pecking order should the Blues complete the loan addition of Armando Broja from Chelsea or find an alternative if that protracted move falls through.

However, at the present time, McKenna says the thinking is that the first Iraqi to play in the Premier League will be staying at the club, despite a number of Championship sides having made enquiries over the summer.

“The focus at the moment is on Ali being with us and impacting every session and every game,” he said.

“At the moment, we've got Liam Delap who is 21 years old and in his first season in the Premier League, coming back from a major injury at the back end of last year and still working up to full fitness, and Ali.

“Of course, there’s Freddie [Ladapo], who is more of a senior striker, but we're not deep in that position by any means at the moment.

“There's always the possibility that things could change over the next 72 hours, that can happen in the last week of the transfer window.

“But at the moment, our focus and Ali's focus is on working with him to get him ready for the next session and for the next game, which is coming up pretty quick.”

Al-Hamadi joined the Blues in January from AFC Wimbledon, who Town face in the Carabao Cup at Plough Lane on Wednesday evening.

The Liverpool-raised striker, who is still working his way back to full fitness after adductor surgery early in the summer, has made a dramatic climb from League Two to the Premier League in a short space of time.

“It's one of the many great stories that we have in our squad at the moment,” McKenna reflected.

“I was on the pitch with him before the game against Man City on Saturday and he told me this time last year he had Grimsby away and was on the pitch getting ready for that game, then he's coming on against Man City as he did against Liverpool.

“Like so many of our players, he's enjoying the step up. It's a fine balance between giving yourself a pat on the back and having a sense of wonder of where he is right now, but also making sure he's going out on the pitch with the intent and the mindset to go and impact it, put a challenge in on the opposition, impact his game and impose himself on the level.

“That's what he's looking to do, as all the players are. He's working his way back from a big injury, we know the journey that he's been on but I think the most important thing day-to-day is that he's working to get better, improve his game and try and impact the team and the level.”

Photo: Matchday Images

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Positive_Vibes added 12:53 - Aug 27 Delap & Al-Hamadi both back from injury and building strength, is another reason why I think Borja is a big risk.
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Chris_ITFC added 13:02 - Aug 27

McKenna is spot on with this about him:
"It's a fine balance between giving yourself a pat on the back and having a sense of wonder of where he is right now"

And I'm afraid he's not at this level ability-wise either.

At the start of the transfer window, McKenna would not have expected him to feature in our best 3 strikers, and it would not be a good sign for us if he is.

PortmanTerrorist added 14:05 - Aug 27

Underestimate Ali at your peril. We have only seen glimpses of him fully fit and he was a handful and a threat. He def has instincts to get into the right places but I do get that of course the issue is over chance completion at this level. However, given how light we are and will remain until Hirst recovers, this is likely the best place for him/us....and he is very much always learning !

Monkey_Blue added 14:10 - Aug 27

I suspect him and Freddie being here could all be down to us getting another striker in. After Saturday we have a two week break so Hirst I assume will be “back on the grass” by then. Also I’m not sure if Ali counts towards the squad of 25?? Does anyone know? We have players who could operate as the striker such as SS. Also do we know for sure that Broja is out for 8 weeks? I tend to ignore media reports because many of them are little more than rumours repeated. As we have 27 players who count towards the squad we would need 4 to go out to sign ogbene and Broja? Or have players at the club who can only play in cup games. I think Al Hamadi would benefit from a loan spell at least until January but if Broja can’t play until October we need Hirst back pronto.

Monkey_Blue added 14:10 - Aug 27

Guthrum added 14:34 - Aug 27 Yes, he will count towards the squad numbers.
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FreddySteady added 19:13 - Aug 27 Ali could be the new Shefki..
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ArnieM added 21:52 - Aug 27 I’d like to see us keep him . He’s not PL level , yet. But I really do think this young striker can take that step up in his stride. He’s a born fighter, very quick, and reads the game very well. Keep him at PR!
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