Ipswich Town have announced the signing of striker Ali Al-Hamadi from AFC Wimbledon.

The EADT and Ipswich Star was the first to break the news of the Blues' interest in the League Two hotshot last Thursday.

It's understood that an upfront fee of little more than £1m has been paid for his signature, though various add-ons could take the overall value of the deal much higher.

AFC Wimbledon state 'the deal is the highest amount received in the AFC Wimbledon era, and includes future incentives which could see the transfer become a record amount at League Two level'. 

Al-Hamadi's former club Wycombe, who picked him up on a free transfer from Swansea, will receive a 25% sell-on fee.

The 21-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at Portman Road and has been assigned the No.16 shirt.

He will soon be able to join up with his new teammates after Iraq exited the Asian Cup at the last 16 stage with a dramatic defeat to Jordan this lunchtime, the latter scoring twice in stoppage-time.

Al-Hamadi has scored 27 goals in 48 games since joining Wimbledon in January last year, with 17 of those coming this season. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Ali Al-Hamadi has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at Ipswich and will wear the number 16 shirt.Ali Al-Hamadi has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at Ipswich and will wear the number 16 shirt. (Image: ITFC)

“Ipswich is a club on an upward trajectory, with a manager who is known for developing players, so at this point in my career I feel like I am ready to make the step up and this feels like the perfect fit for me,” he told TownTV. 

“Everyone I have spoken to has given the club unbelievable reviews so I’m just excited to get to work when I get back. Whenever I’ve watched Ipswich it’s attractive football with high intensity and energy, which fits my characteristics well, so I’d say I’m a good fit. 

“I am hungry to score goals and understand it’s a step up to the Championship where players are better and sharper, but I’m confident in my ability, I am hungry to learn and am looking forward to joining up with the squad.” 

Town boss Kieran McKenna said: “Ali is a very exciting young striker who we feel has great attributes and a lot of room to continue to develop. 

“He’s had a really good first 12 months of regular senior football and has had a significant impact at AFC Wimbledon. He fits our recruitment profile of being a young, hungry, athletic and technical player who we feel can have an impact in the squad straight away, but also has room to grow and develop for the future.” 

Al-Hamadi becomes Town's third signing of the January transfer window following the additions of experienced midfielder Lewis Travis (Blackburn, loan) and tricky winger Jeremy Sarmiento (Brighton, loan).

It's understood that Ipswich still want to add another striker, and possibly a left-back, to their squad before the transfer window closes at 11pm on Thursday.

TOWN SQUAD: Hladky, Walton; Clarke, Williams, Donacien (inj); Woolfenden, Burgess, Tuanzebe, Edmundson; Baggott*, Davis, Humphreys*; Morsy, Luongo, Taylor, Travis, Ball, Evans (inj); Burns, Hutchinson; Chaplin, Harness, Aluko; Broadhead, Sarmiento; Hirst (inj), Jackson, Al-Hamadi.

* Do not have to be named in 25-man senior squad due to age.