AFC Wimbledon are apparently ‘confident’ in keeping their Player of the Year, Ali Al-Hamadi, today, as interest in the Iraq international appears to be waning.
Al-Hamadi remains a Don Barnsley were ready to clinch a deal at the start of the summer, but Peterborough United came in with a proposal that was instantly rejected.
They could still make a new bid, but with a significant sell-on provision in his contract that would see Wycombe Wanderers take a sizable cut of any revenue, the bid would have to be more than substantial to secure the forward.
The 21-year-old striker came on early in the second half of the Dons’ 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat against Chelsea on Wednesday night, but bullied his way past their defence and, despite not having scored this season, is an important part of the club.
They will want to keep him because they have begun the season well, and as time passes, they will be hoping that no fresh bids come in.
adolescent loaned out
Ben Mason, on the other hand, is moving away from Plough Lane. Braintree Town of the National League South has signed the 19-year-old defender.
Many Dons players have been loaned away in recent years to gain crucial experience, and others have returned to regularly slot into the first-team group. Mason has made significant progress in the Academy system, helping the young Dons defeat Burnley in the FA Youth Cup.
Wimbledon may yet bring in loan players as they attempt to add depth to a team that could become depleted if they suffer a string of injuries or suspensions throughout the season.
Author’s Opinion
AFC Wimbledon is riding high right now, despite suffering their first defeat of the season in the FA Cup last week, but that was against Chelsea, and they were far from embarrassed on the big stage.
Keeping Al-Hamadi will be critical to their team’s ongoing success this season, since it is just a matter of time before he starts scoring again.
If a couple more players come in, most likely on loan, the squad will have decent depth leading up to another chance to reassess the situation.
