Another two EFL clubs have joined the race for Sunderland target Ali Al-Hamadi.
That’s according to TEAMtalk, who have reported that Blackburn Rovers and Derby County are the latest to declare their interest in the forward.
After spending time in Swansea City’s academy, Ali Al-Hamadi joined Wycombe Wanderers in 2021.
The youngster only made 13 appearances in all competitions for The Chairboys before he was sold to AFC Wimbledon in January 2023.
Al-Hamadi has quickly lit up League Two, netting 10 goals in only 19 games in the second half of last season. He has continued his brilliant form into the current term, bagging four goals and five assists already.
The 21-year-old’s exceptional form has led to some serious demand for his signature, with Sunderland’s interest reported over the weekend.
It was claimed that the Black Cats had joined Barnsley, Peterborough United, Coventry City and Leeds United in monitoring the forward. However, it now appears they could face even more competition, with Blackburn and Derby now weighing up their own bids.
AFC Wimbledon are reluctant to lose Al-Hamadi but are bracing themselves for offers in January. Wycombe will reportedly earn a portion of their profits, while the London outfit are said to be eager to sell him on for over £1.2 million.
Should Sunderland splash the cash on Al-Hamadi?
Ali Al-Hamadi looks to be one of the EFL’s most exciting prospects after really impressing in League Two.
However, for £1.2m plus, Sunderland want to be signing a forward that is ready-made for a Championship play-off fight.
The striker clearly has bags of potential and is one for the future, but fans wouldn’t be very happy if the Black Cats snapped up yet another young player that wasn’t quite ready to bang the goals in that we needed to fire us up to the top flight.
It is unclear whether he will be snatched up in January, but Sunderland would do well to hold off until he enters the final 12 months f his contract next summer.