Blues striker Ali Al-Hamadi has thanked everyone at Stoke City following the completion of his loan spell with the Championship side.

Iraq international Al-Hamadi joined the Potters on loan in January and went on to make 11 starts and four sub appearances, scoring twice, as Mark Robins’s side finished 18th in the table, only two points off the relegation zone.

“Thank you for taking me in as one of your own for these last three months,” the 23-year-old wrote on Instagram.

“We obviously felt the relief as a collective for avoiding a disastrous end to the season, but that should by no means take away from the fact that this football club is too big to be constantly in this situation.

“We all exhausted ourselves to try and end the season as best as possible. I have full faith that this club can get back where it belongs.



“Thanks to all the staff, coaches, everyone behind the scenes and the boys for making it somewhat enjoyable considering the circumstances.

“Thank you to the fans who sang my name home and away. I felt the love throughout and enjoyed every minute of being here.”

Al-Hamadi, who joined the Blues from AFC Wimbledon in January 2024, is contracted to Town until the summer of 2028.

Photo: Matchday Images

gkroon89 added 11:48 - May 6 Not sure he is good enough for a team aiming to be battle for the top of the Championship next season unfortunately. Might be one to let go in the Summer.
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IPSWICHMOUSE added 12:07 - May 6 gkroon89....I liked The Hammer's rag to riches story & his rawness as a striker , but i must agree with you about his ability to keep us going when we need it....Get a decent fee for him & a couple of others & bring in a couple to replace.....Delap will , unfortunately , get lured away to the Prem..cOYB...ITID...
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ArnieM added 12:36 - May 6 This is not the first time he has made comments of this nature. I have no problem with that at all. He clearly wants to play fir Stoke, and would hope the Club will facilitate that. Sometimes players know where they git in best. As others have said, I doubt he'll nail a first team place down here.
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ArnieM added 12:37 - May 6 Edit..." fit in best"
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Radlett_blue added 13:01 - May 6 Hamadi could well have a role to play as 3rd striker next season, behind Hirst & AN Other. However, starting regularly might be better for his career development.
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Edmundo added 13:24 - May 6 I'm certain KM wants to look at all the players who were out on loan in pre season. Wouldn't be at all surprised if Ali ends up being our utility forward, in the Kayden Jackson role, next season.
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Davidwb20 added 14:05 - May 6 Hardly set the world alight during his time with us or Stoke! In my opinion for what it is worth not sure he is good enough as cover for whatever strikers we have next season. Which hopefully will at least include George Hirst.
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trevski_s added 14:09 - May 6 I think it might be time for him to move on maybe to a lower Championship side or a higher League 1 side maybe to someone like Preston, Hull, Portsmouth or one of the League 1 playoff teams. At his age he needs to be playing more and I don't think he would want to be 3rd choice striker again behind Hirst and Delap (hopefully or his replacement). I think next season maybe give that 3rd striker role to Buabo as he seems ready and has come back from injury well and performed well in the few games he's played (also wouldn't count towards the 25 limit)

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johnwarksshorts added 14:18 - May 6 As much as I like Ali, sadly he's not good enough for a Championship side with ambitions to regain Premiership status. I wish him good luck wherever he ends up.
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Bluearmy_81 added 15:56 - May 6 Didn’t see the world alight for Stoke. Indicates we need better next season
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