Ipswich Town forward set to leave as Kieran McKenna approves exit; THREE clubs in race

Ipswich Town Open to Letting Ali Al-Hamadi Leave Amid Growing EFL Interest

Ipswich Town are ready to part ways with striker Ali Al-Hamadi this month, with several EFL clubs showing serious interest in landing the Iraq international, TEAMtalk has learned.

Luton Town have already submitted an enquiry for the 23-year-old, who is said to favour a move that would keep him in the Championship. However, with limited game time under Kieran McKenna, another loan move looks likely.

Al-Hamadi spent the second half of last season at Stoke City, where he managed just two goals in 15 appearances. With Ipswich pushing forward with other attacking options, the forward could now be forced to drop down a level in search of regular football.

League One side Cardiff City have also identified Al-Hamadi as a possible target—particularly as a contingency in case Youssef Salach departs. While their initial interest was tied to that scenario, a move could still be on the cards before the transfer window shuts.

Charlton Athletic are another club monitoring the situation, although their recent £3.5 million signing of Charlie Kelman from QPR may shift their priorities elsewhere.

Bristol City were also previously in the frame, but their interest has since cooled, leaving Al-Hamadi weighing up his options as more clubs circle.

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna is happy to sanction the striker’s departure, with George Hirst, Sammie Szmodics, and new arrival Chuba Akpom ahead of him in the attacking pecking order. Al-Hamadi still has three years left on his contract at Portman Road.

It’s a stark contrast from two seasons ago, when Al-Hamadi was hailed as one of the EFL’s most promising young strikers after a prolific spell at AFC Wimbledon. Ipswich secured his signature for just under £1.5 million, but he has mostly featured from the bench since arriving in Suffolk.

He did start Tuesday’s EFL Cup tie against Bromley, playing the full 90 minutes. Unfortunately, it ended in disappointment as Ipswich were knocked out on penalties—Al-Hamadi missed the decisive spot-kick, allowing the League Two side to advance.

Following the game, teammate Conor Chaplin offered support:
“He feels like he’s let us down but that’s not the case at all. He’s a brave lad with a big character for a young player. It hurts now, but he’ll learn and grow from it.”

With the transfer window still open, Al-Hamadi’s next move remains uncertain—but interest is growing fast.