Ali Al-Hamadi, an Ipswich Town striker, has joined Championship club Stoke City on loan until the end of the season.
The 22-year-old joined Portman Road from League Two club AFC Wimbledon last January, scoring four goals in 14 games as the Blues won immediate promotion to the Premier League.
However, life at the top level has been more difficult. Town attempted to send him out on loan after his groin operation last summer, but they were unable to find a replacement.
With George Hirst out for several weeks with a knee injury, the Iraq international has had to step in and cover Liam Delap in the Premier League, playing 125 minutes in 11 cameo appearances. He started against Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup and missed a penalty in the 3-0 victory.
With Hirst back in shape and Ipswich perhaps looking for another striker, the decision was made to let him leave this month, with the club open to loan and permanent offers. However, in order for the latter to be recognised, the Blues wanted to earn a significant profit on the £2 million they had given Wimbledon.
A transfer to West Brom fell through earlier this week, with the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star reporting Stoke’s interest shortly after.
The Potters weren’t the only Championship club interested in signing Al-Hamadi, but they won the race by agreeing on a large loan fee. There is no buy clause in the contract. Al-Hamadi will wear the number 9 shirt at the Bet365 Stadium.
Stoke are presently 20th in the Championship table, just one point above the relegation zone. They fired manager Narcis Pelach shortly after Christmas and replaced him with former Coventry City manager Mark Robins.
They are currently short on striker options after losing Tom Cannon, who was recalled by parent club Leicester City and transferred to Sheffield United. Former Town target Sam Gallagher is out with a hamstring injury, and Niall Ennis is poised to join League One club Blackpool.
Sporting Director Jon Walters said: “Strikers with real pedigree are one of the most difficult commodities to get in any transfer window, so getting Ali over the line is a major lift for us all.
“We understand there was strong interest from other teams, and we are thrilled he has chosen to join Stoke City.
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“Ali’s goal-scoring record speaks for itself, but it’s his unwavering hard work ethic that truly embodies what we stand for as a club.
“We have no doubt that our fans will take to Ali, and we wish him every success in a Stoke City shirt.”
Al-Hamadi passed his medical earlier today, but will be unable to play against Oxford United tomorrow. He could make his debut at Hull City next Saturday.
Defender George Edmundson, who was recalled by Ipswich earlier this week, is likely to join Middlesbrough for £650,000. If Town signs a senior striker, another exit is required.