Portsmouth loan flop tipped to scale even greater heights after ex-Norwich striker's surprise switch to Ipswich

Gassan Ahadme failed to impress during his time at Fratton Park - but has now joined Ipswich for a six-figure fee. Picture: Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages

Gassan Ahadme has been backed to continue flourishing after joining Ipswich for a six-figure sum.

Just eight months ago, the striker’s season-long loan at Pompey was cancelled at the halfway point following a disappointing stay.

He made just 10 outings for the Blues after arriving from Norwich, consisting of two League One starts.

Despite a 26-minute hat-trick in a pre-season friendly against the Hawks in July 2021, Ahadme subsequently struggled to impress at Pompey.

It prompted Danny Cowley to send him back to Carrow Road – from where he proceeded to join Burton in a permanent deal.

After eight goals in 22 appearances, including five this season, Ipswich recruited him from the Brewers on a three-year deal on deadline day.

And Burton boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is convinced the 21-year-old will get even better at Portman Road.

Hasselbaink told the Brewers’ web-site:’It’s good business for the club if you look at how he came in, how he has developed himself.

‘Do we think he will become even better? Yes.

‘It has all fallen into place for him at the start of this season and doing good business for Burton Albion is the club we are.

‘That’s what the club spells out with our young players, to develop them and eventually somebody like Ipswich comes in with a good offer and that keeps the club healthy.

‘Gassan has been a great model for others and a great person to work with. We are sad to see him go but happy on the other side for him as he’s such a good kid who has done us proud.

‘We wish him all the best and hope his journey doesn’t finish with Ipswich but keeps on going.’

Ahadme netted the last of his eight goals for the Brewers in Tuesday night’s Papa John’s Trophy clash with Leicester City Under-21s.

He struck twice in the opening seven minutes as Hasselbaink’s men ran out 4-2 winners – with all four of their goals arriving in the first 12 minutes of the match.