Al-Hamadi: First Iraqi in EPL
English Premier League(EPL) kicked off on third week of August for 2024-25 season with an Iraqi player playing a part for first time in the 32 year history of EPL. Ali Al-Hamadi came in as a substitute to replace Liam Delap for Ipswich Town in opening match against Liverpool. Ipswich lost match by 2-0 against Slot's Liverpool. He made number of nations represented in EPL to 124. Match also witnessed Mo Salah surpassing record for most goals(9) in the opening match of season.
Hamadi is born in Maysan, Iraq in 2002. His family migrated during early stages of Iraq war in 2003 and settled in Liverpool. He started his career attracting attention of his local youth clubs, Liverpool and Everton. Eventually, he ended up in Tranmere Rovers's youth team. He represented Swansea City also at youth level. He has represented Wycombe Wanderers, Bromley(loan), AFC Wimbledon before joining Ipswitch town.
Which country will have the representation for first time in EPL next?