Abdulla Al-Hammadi: Rising Goalkeeper on Trial with Manchester United
By Street Sports Desk | August 7, 2025
The football world is abuzz with news of a promising young talent making waves in the Premier League. Abdulla Al-Hammadi, a 20-year-old goalkeeper from the United Arab Emirates, is currently on trial with Manchester United, sparking excitement among fans and analysts alike. With a growing reputation and a recent stint at Everton, Al-Hammadi is positioning himself as a potential star in the making.
A Journey from Al Wasl to the Premier League
Hailing from the UAE, Al-Hammadi previously played for Al Wasl in the UAE Pro League, where he showcased his skills as a reliable shot-stopper. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, as he captained the UAE Under-18 national team, demonstrating leadership and composure beyond his years. Earlier this year, in March 2025, Al-Hammadi trialed with Everton, where he made history by keeping a clean sheet for their Under-21s side against Bolton Wanderers B at the newly built Hill Dickinson Stadium. This achievement marked him as the first goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet at Everton’s 52,888-capacity arena, a moment he celebrated on social media with the caption, “Grateful for every opportunity.”
Now, Al-Hammadi has caught the attention of Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in world football. Reports indicate that he is currently training at United’s Carrington facility and was named on the bench for the Under-21s in a 1-1 pre-season friendly draw against Rochdale. The Red Devils are considering offering him a permanent deal following the departure of goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk, whose contract expired this summer.
What Makes Al-Hammadi Special?
At just 20 years old, Al-Hammadi brings a combination of agility, reflexes, and a commanding presence in goal. Standing at 1.85 meters, he has the physical attributes to compete at the highest level. His experience captaining the UAE Under-18s highlights his ability to lead and perform under pressure, a crucial trait for a goalkeeper eyeing a spot in a Premier League squad.
His trial at Everton showcased his potential, as he kept a clean sheet in a competitive test match, earning praise for his composure and shot-stopping ability. Manchester United’s interest suggests that Al-Hammadi could be a long-term investment for their academy, with the potential to compete for a starting spot in their Under-21 setup alongside goalkeepers like Dermot Mee and William Murdock.
Manchester United’s Youth Focus
Manchester United’s pursuit of Al-Hammadi aligns with their renewed focus on building a strong academy under manager Ruben Amorim. The club has already made significant moves in the transfer market, signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for the first team, while also adding young talents like Harley Emsden-James and Enzo Kana-Biyik to their youth ranks. Al-Hammadi’s potential signing would further bolster United’s commitment to nurturing future stars.
The Red Devils are also monitoring other goalkeeping prospects, such as Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens, but Al-Hammadi’s trial performance could see him secure a contract sooner rather than later. If successful, he would join a competitive goalkeeping department, with uncertainties surrounding senior keepers Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, who have faced scrutiny for recent errors.
What’s Next for Al-Hammadi?
As Al-Hammadi continues his trial at Carrington, all eyes will be on his ability to impress United’s coaching staff. A successful trial could lead to a permanent deal, offering him a chance to develop within one of the most prestigious academies in world football. For a young goalkeeper from the UAE, this opportunity represents a significant step toward achieving his Premier League dreams.
Fans in Kenya and across Africa are also excited about Al-Hammadi’s journey, as his potential move to Manchester United could inspire a new generation of African and Middle Eastern footballers. Keep an eye on Street.co.ke for updates on Al-Hammadi’s trial and other breaking football news.