We have bolstered our attacking options with our final summer signing of the transfer window – striker Ali Al-Hamadi from Ipswich Town.
The 23-year-old has joined initially on a season-long loan with an obligation to purchase if certain criteria are met within the loan period, adding to our earlier capture of Shayden Morris from Aberdeen, Ethon Archer from Cheltenham and Joe Gbode from Gillingham.
Iraqi international frontman Al-Hamadi shot to prominence during a prolific spell at AFC Wimbledon, where he hit 27 goals 48 games which earned a move to Ipswich.
He helped the Tractor Boys win promotion to Premier League before playing 11 times in the top-flight last season.
Manager Matt Bloomfield, said: “I’m really excited about this one. I’ve been a long-time admirer of his, and it’s a real signing of intent, especially having seen the way he’s developed over the past couple of years.
“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.
“His game really kicked on at Wimbledon and since moving to Ipswich, he’s played with some really top players which has improved his all-round game. He’s currently working back to fitness from a slight calf injury, but we’re really looking forward to him being a big part of our future.”
The Town’s new man said: “Having heard what people have said about this club I think it’s the perfect match. I think I need a club like Luton and they need a player like me.
“It’s always important when the manager wants to sign you. During my time at Wycombe he helped me a lot as a young player and I think he can take my game to the next level.
“My career’s been exciting and full of challenges, but I’ve always adapted and learn and that’s why I love football.
“It’s certainly been a unique journey so far but I’m looking forward to what’s next here.
“I’m passionate, wear my heart on my sleeve, exciting to watch and I like to score goals.
“But I’ve developed another side of my game since joining Ipswich so feel my all-round game has come on so I’m excited to see what we can do here this season.”
The story so far
Born in Iraq, Ali arrived in the UK as a one-year-old with his family to flee the war, growing up in Liverpool.
He joined Tranmere’s academy before moving to Swansea on a two-year scholarship in 2018 but having failed to break into the team as a youngster in South Wales, he moved to Wycombe in 2021.
Al-Hamadi’s first taste of senior football was a loan spell at Bromley in the National League. It would prove to be quite an introduction to the game. His first-ever senior appearance came in a World Cup qualifier for Iraq against South Korea in November 2021 and he would end the season winning the FA Trophy at Wembley.
After struggling to hold down a starting place at Adams Park, Ali then joined Wimbledon in 2022/23 – and the striker hit the ground running, scoring 10 goals in the final 15 games that season.
And the goals kept coming in the following campaign. Our new man scored 17 goals in 29 games in all competitions for the Dons and that was enough to persuade Ipswich to take him to Portman Road.
He played a part in the Portman Road outfit’s promotion to the top-flight, scoring four times in 14 games, and then played 11 times for Ipswich last season, making his first appearance in the Premier League as a substitute against Liverpool.
Having struggled to hold down a regular place in the starting XI for the Tractor Boys, Ali ended last season on loan at Stoke, scoring on his debut in a 2-1 win at Hull in February.
Now, with the striker once more hunting regular football, he arrives at Kenilworth Road to add further depth to our striking options.
Welcome to Luton, Ali!
