Wycombe Wanderers have confirmed the signing of former Swansea City striker Ali Al-Hamadi.
The 19-year-old, who has played two games for the Iraqi national team, has joined on a one-and-a-half-year deal following a successful trial period at the club.
He was officially unveiled as a Chairboy before Wycombe’s 1-0 home win over Bolton Wanderers, where was given the number 25 shirt, which was previously worn by Alex Samuel, who left in the summer.
READ MORE: Gareth Ainsworth's analysis after Wycombe beat Bolton 1-0 at Adams Park
Our newest #Chairboy.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) November 20, 2021
Welcome Ali!https://t.co/OuFHvQfLSV
Gareth Ainsworth said: “Ali came highly recommended from contacts of ours in the game and we’re delighted to have him on board.
“He’s still a teenager but has got plenty of experience already, getting plenty of games for Swansea’s under-23s and for his national team.
“He’s got a lot of attributes, he looks sharp in front of goal, and he gives us another option up front, where I know he’ll learn a lot from the likes of Sam Vokes, Adebayo Akinfenwa and Brandon Hanlan.
“There’s been a lot of work that’s gone into finalising the deal and I’d like to thank Pete Couhig, Sam Grace, and our new club secretary Tom Holder for getting it over the line and bringing Ali to Wycombe Wanderers.”
Al-Hamadi, who was born in Maysan, fled the country with his parents in 2003 following the start of the Iraq War.
He and his family stelled in Toxteth, Liverpool, where he spent some time in the youth set up at Tranmere Rovers between 2015 and 2018.
So happy to finally get this done. Thanks to Gareth and all the staff for making this happen. I hope this is the start of a long and successful journey with this great club. #Chairboys @wwfcofficial pic.twitter.com/TBpu5ZuE6r
— Ali Al-Hamadi (@alikalhamadi) November 20, 2021
After three years with the Merseyside club, Al-Hamadi moved to Swansea City and spent two seasons with the Welsh outfit, but did not make a first-team appearance for the club.
Internationally, Al-Hamadi played for the Iraqi Olympic Team in 2019 and received his first call-up for the senior team earlier this month, winning his first caps against Syria and South Korea.
READ MORE: Wycombe end losing run at home as Sam Vokes scores the winner against Bolton Wanderers
He is the latest international player to join a squad which already includes Ireland’s Daryl Horgan, Gibraltar’s Tjay De Barr, Anis Mehmeti of Albania, Wales’ Sam Vokes, and Andre Burley of St Kitts & Nevis.
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