READ MORE: Gareth Ainsworth on Wycombe's transfer activity this month
Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has explained why he decided to let striker Ali Al-Hamadi join AFC Wimbledon on a permanent deal.
The transfer of the Iraqi forward to the League Two club was confirmed on January 12 – two days before the Chairboys host second-placed Sheffield Wednesday at Adams Park.
Gareth Ainsworth discusses the departure of @alikalhamadi to @AFCWimbledon.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) January 12, 2023
Ali made 13 appearances for the #Chairboys since joining in November 2021. pic.twitter.com/2gpulrqCvw
This now means that Wanderers have Sam Vokes, D’Mani Mellor, Tjay De Barr, and Brandon Hanlan as their only recognised forwards, but Ainsworth did reveal that he hopes to add ‘one or two’ players to the squad this month.
He said: “We will keep an invested interest in him as there is potential in Ali to go onto things.
“He just needs regular game time and that was difficult for me to give him at Wycombe, as we have got a great front four in Sam Vokes, Brandon Hanlan, Garath McCleary, and Anis Mehmeti.
𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗶 ✍️
— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) January 12, 2023
We are delighted to announce the permanent signing of Wycombe Wanderers striker Ali Al-Hamadi on a two-and-a-half year contract. #AFCW 🟡🔵https://t.co/LBAy0udpCn
“Ali has had his time in the team curtailed and it’s only fair that he goes out and tries to get some games.
“I think his pace will be something Wimbledon will be happy to receive, and I hope he works on the aspects of his game that we spoke about.
“It’s the journey of a young footballer sometimes as they have got to go and cut their teeth at certain places.
Thanks for everything. @wwfcofficial. Appreciate everyone at the club for what they have done for me. I’ve enjoyed every minute of being a part of this amazing group. Learnt invaluable lessons and made friends for life. Excited for the next chapter… 🙏🏽
— Ali Al-Hamadi (@alikalhamadi) January 12, 2023
“He came up to me and thanked me for restarting his career, as he had hit a brick wall at Swansea, but he came here and really impressed.
“He has been a great acquisition for us and I hope he goes onto bigger and better things.”
He join Wimbledon on a two-year contract.
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