[themaclad]

Ipswich Town midfielder Massimo Luongo has signed a new one-year deal with the promotion-chasing Championship club.

The 31-year-old, who recently retired from international football with Australia to focus on Ipswich's bid to reach the Premier League, was into the final six months of his previous deal.

He helped Ipswich win promotion from League One last season and has again been instrumental this term.

"I love every bit about being here," Luongo told the club website.

"I'm pleased to have got this done so now it's a case of getting my head down and getting on with the rest of the season, doing my best to help the team."

Luongo, who has previously played for Swindon, Sheffield Wednesday, QPR and Middlesbrough, is in his second spell with the Tractor Boys after first featuring for them on loan from Tottenham in 2012.

He scored two goals in 16 appearances after rejoining them in January last season to boost their promotion push from the third tier.

So far this season, Luongo has played 26 times and scored twice in the Championship.

He played a crucial role in helping Ipswich return to second place in the table on Monday, as his late shot was saved and dropped kindly for Jeremy Sarmiento to pounce on and score as he rescued a draw against leaders Leicester.

[themaclad]

Ipswich Town have signed striker Ali Al-Hamadi from AFC Wimbledon for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old has agreed a deal with the Tractor Boys until the summer of 2028 after scoring 17 goals in 29 appearances for the Dons this season.

Al-Hamadi has won 12 international caps for Iraq and has been with them at the Asian Cup since the start of the year.

"Ipswich is a club on an upward trajectory, with a manager who is known for developing players," he said.

"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.

"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."

Ipswich will soon be ready to 'rock and roll' again - Morsy
AFC Wimbledon say the deal includes "future incentives which could see the transfer become a record amount at League Two level".

Al-Hamadi will provide boss Kieran McKenna with an extra attacking option, following George Hirst's injury and the loan departure of Freddie Ladapo.

The signing comes just two days after Town were knocked out of the FA Cup by sixth-tier Maidstone United.

But they are second in the Championship and in a great position to secure promotion back to the Premier League for the first time since 2002.

"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," McKenna said.

[themaclad]

Ipswich Town have signed striker Kieffer Moore from Bournemouth on loan until the end of the season.

The Wales international, 31, had a spell with Ipswich between 2017 and 2018 where he made 11 appearances.

Moore has 39 caps for his country and has also played for Cardiff, Barnsley, Wigan and Rotherham, having begun his career in non-league football.

He joined the Cherries in 2022 but has only featured in the Premier League this season from the bench.

"It's great to finally get it over the line because it's been a long time coming during the window," Moore told the Ipswich club website.

"I remember my first spell here and I've gone away and worked very hard on myself during that time, so I'm delighted to be back and can't wait to get going."

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna added: "We are delighted to have signed a striker with strong Championship pedigree, as well as experience in the Premier League and at international level.

"Kieffer will bring some very important technical and physical attributes to the squad. We feel his professionalism and mentality will be an addition to the culture we already have within the group."