Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit drops claim on Ali Al-Hamadi's Ipswich Town future | OneFootball

Don Goodman weighs in on Ali Al-Hamadi's future at Ipswich Town.

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman remains on the fence regarding Ali Al-Hamadi's Ipswich Town future, as the Tractor Boys close in on a deal to sign Chuba Akpom.

The Iraq international forward arrived at Portman Road in January 2024, penning a long-term deal after a prolific stint with AFC Wimbledon in League Two.

However, Al-Hamadi was somewhat a victim of the club's success, as they achieved promotion to the Premier League. This ultimately limited his game time during their campaign, which saw him loaned out to Stoke City for the second half of the season.

The striker's time at the Bet365 Stadium was largely uneventful, with just two goals to his name in 15 appearances, leaving his future at Ipswich largely up in the air.

Now with Kieran McKenna's side firmly in the race to sign Ajax forward Akpom, this deal could spell the end for Al-Hamadi's Ipswich career, whether it be a permanent move or another loan away.

Don Goodman left unsure on Ali Al-Hamadi's Ipswich Town future

To gain some clarity on the situation, Football League World spoke exclusively to former Sunderland striker turned Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman, to see what he thinks the immediate future looks like for Al-Hamadi.

Goodman told us: "I still think there's a bit of movement that will happen with Ipswich Town in the transfer market.

"I think George Hirst will start as the main striker this season, certainly at the start.

"They're linked heavily with bringing Chuba Akpom in as well, although they're in a bit of a battle with several other clubs for him.

"Again, my question, it's a frequent question I ask, how much game time will Ali Al-Hamadi get if he stays at Ipswich.

"There's no doubt that when they were in the Championship, when they had that amazing season to get promoted, he had an impact, usually from the bench.

"There's no doubt that when he was at Stoke in the latter part of last season, I thought he looked pretty sharp, so maybe they'd want to keep him because he is a player that can certainly have an impact off the bench.

"Or if they're juggling and want to bring some money in and spend it on another striker, then you would also understand that," the Sky Sports pundit concluded.

Chuba Akpom deal likely holds the answers for Al-Hamadi's future

Just days ago, Akpom looked set to seal a move to Birmingham City. However, Ipswich entered the race late for the 29-year-old's signature, and the player preferred a move to Suffolk over the Midlands.

But in another twist, the former Middlesbrough talisman still hasn't signed on the dotted line for the Tractor Boys after passing his medical, as the Blues have now told Ajax that they will buy the striker outright, which the Dutch club would prefer.

Whilst this saga continues to rumble on, Akpom's destination could well hold the answer to what the future looks like for Al-Hamadi, as another striker joining Town could be bad news for the Iraq international's potential minutes next season.

However, if Akpom joins Birmingham, there might still be hope for Al-Hamadi at Portman Road as an impact player from the bench, rotating with George Hirst and getting a chance to prove himself to McKenna.