Ipswich Town, Blackburn Rovers news may have Oxford United on red alert: View | OneFootball

With Ipswich eyeing a move for Sammie Szmodics, Oxford could see this as an opportunity to move for Ali Al-Hamadi.

Highlights

Ipswich Town have reportedly entered talks to sign Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szmodics

That's according to TWTD, who believe the Tractor Boys are hoping to strike a £6m deal to recruit the forward, although that seems like a small fee for a player who was prolific in front of goal last term.

His contributions helped to keep Blackburn in the Championship - and John Eustace’s side will be keen to secure as much money for him as possible.

The player still has two years left on his contract at Ewood Park and with Rovers holding the option to extend his contract by a further year after that, the Lancashire club are in a very strong negotiating table.

However, Ipswich have already shown during the summer window that they are willing to spend big on top-quality players - and having seen Szmodics thrive during the 2023/24 campaign - they may be prepared to fork out more than £6m to recruit him.

It remains to be seen whether they can get a deal over the line for the striker, but it’s thought that agreeing personal terms wouldn’t be an issue, which is a boost for the Tractor Boys in this pursuit.

If he comes in, he would be another talented forward option for Kieran McKenna’s side, who have already moved to sign Liam Delap permanently from Manchester City.

Delap is one player who has come in, but fellow striker Freddie Ladapo could potentially head out the exit door, having spent the second half of last season on loan in League One.

George Hirst, meanwhile, looks set to remain in the first team as a potential backup option, but it would be difficult to see Ali Al-Hamadi securing that much game time.

The Iraq international may have made 14 league appearances during the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, following his move from AFC Wimbledon, but he didn’t start in many of those games.

With the player needing game time in his quest to develop, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him leave Portman Road on loan.

The 22–year-old was a key player at Plough Lane - and the game time he was able to get in the English capital contributed a huge amount to the progress he was able to make.

He is clearly able to operate in a division higher than League Two, but making the step up to the Premier League would be a big ask for him, with the player only having half a season to try and adapt to life in the second tier.

And although it would be a great experience for him to win game time in the top flight, his time on the pitch is likely to be limited.

This is why a loan exit would be ideal for the player. At 22, he needs game time if he wants to give himself the best chance of fulfilling his potential.

Oxford United could see an opportunity to secure Ali Al-Hamadi loan deal

Second-tier new boys Oxford United are reported to be interested in Al Hamadi - and on paper - the Kassam Stadium looks to be the perfect destination for the striker.

Mark Harris may have been a decent goalscorer for the U's last term, but he didn't always perform well and Al-Hamadi will back himself to be a regular starter under Des Buckingham.

In a 4-1-4-1 formation, the Ipswich man wouldn't be guaranteed regular starts in Oxfordshire, with Harris already accustomed to Buckingham's system.

But if Al-Hamadi can secure regular starts, he could thrive and become a real asset, before potentially returning to Portman Road in time for the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

Josh Murphy may have left, but the likes of Tyler Goodrham and Ruben Rodrigues could provide service from attacking midfield roles, along with Louie Sibley who can also be an attacking threat.

More signings could be made before the summer window closes, with more quality and depth needed in the wing department, so it wouldn't be a surprise if the U's are very creative during the upcoming campaign.

A loan for Al-Hamadi will only happen if Ipswich sanction an exit though.