Sunderland are pondering a January transfer window move for a League Two striker.
According to Sports Illustrated, the Black Cats are considering a bid for Ali Al Hamadi.
The Wearside club has dispatched scouts to observe the 21-year-old’s performances for AFC Wimbledon in the fourth division.
The forward has had a great start to Wimbledon’s League Two campaign, with the club looking to return to League One this season.
This comes after making a number of headlines for his performances in his first six months at the club after signing in the most recent January window.
Who is Ali Al Hamadi?
Al Hamadi is a striker who came through the ranks at Swansea City before moving down to non-league football with Bromle on loan.
The attacker left the Swans on a permanent basis in 2021, signing for Wycombe Wanderers, where he struggled to find game time.
Before joining Wimbledon earlier this year, the Iraq international made just nine appearances for Wanderers.
He has had a significant impact on the League Two side’s assault since signing.
He was instrumental in keeping Wimbledon in the fourth level last season, netting 10 goals in 19 games in his first half-season with the club.
This season, he has continued to contribute consistently in attack, tallying four goals and four assists in 13 games.
Wimbledon are now 10th in the table at the start of the new season, hoping to reclaim their place in the third tier.
Johnnie Jackson’s side is now three points behind of the play-offs, with recent results putting them out of the top seven.
Sunderland are monitoring the progress of the Iraq international, who has impressed despite the club’s recent slump in form.
The Black Cats have pursued younger players with great success in recent years, and have now deployed scouts to watch the Wimbledon striker.
Tony Mowbray’s side may be looking for a new permanent striker, with Mason Burstow establishing himself as the team’s current key striker while on loan from Chelsea.
Sunderland, who are now 10th in the Championship table following a little downturn in form in recent weeks, are trying to battle for promotion as well.
Mowbray’s team will play at home against Norwich City on October 28.
Would Ali Al Hamadi be a good signing for Sunderland?
Al Hamadi was unable to break into Swansea City’s first team squad as a teenager, but he has since gone down the divisions and showed himself to be extremely capable.
The transition from League Two to the Championship is challenging.
Given the quantity of attacking options at their disposal, Sunderland may be willing to loan him back out for the balance of the season.
This would be an intriguing addition, and one done with next season in mind, when players like Burstow return to his parent club.
