Oxford United are preparing for life in the Championship following their promotion last season.
Des Buckingham guided his side to promotion last time out. The U’s finished 5th in League One and managed to beat Peterborough United over two legs before edging out Bolton Wanderers at Wembley to secure second tier status.
Ipswich Town enjoyed a similarly successful campaign. Kieran McKenna’s side made it back-to-back promotions finishing 2nd in the Championship in their first year in the division.
Al-Hamadi, 22, played 14 games in the Championship for Ipswich Town. He scored four and assisted once in those 14 games having joined following a good spell with AFC Wimbledon.
He scored 23 league goals in 42 League Two games for his former club, but with Ipswich Town having been promoted game time may be hard to come by for Al-Hamadi next season.
Keeping him ticking over is key and that’s why a loan move makes a lot of sense. Oxford United are interested in the Iraq international and a temporary move back to the Championship may be the best thing for him this summer.
Working his way up
He has only played 14 games in the second tier, and before that he was in League Two.
Making the step up to the top flight this season may be too big a jump this early for Al-Hamadi and Oxford United would give him the chance to get a full season of Championship football under his belt before returning to Portman Road next season to fight for a spot in the Premier League.
McKenna’s side are only heading one way at the moment, but any hint of complacency this summer will see them fall straight back down and it’s crucial they have a perfect summer window
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