Ajax and English-born Nigerian striker Chuba Akpom at centre of chaotic transfer battle

Ajax striker Chuba Akpom, who is of Nigerian descent, is at the heart of a chaotic transfer saga as multiple English clubs scramble for his signature amid pressure from Ajax to offload the forward permanently.

The situation began when Ajax technical director Alex Kroes excluded the 29-year-old from first-team activities, aiming to push him out of the club.

Though Saudi club Al Ettifaq were initially linked with a move in July, no formal offer was submitted. Things escalated on Sunday, August 3, when Dutch outlet Voetbal International reported that Ajax had reached a loan agreement with English Championship side Birmingham City.

The deal included a mandatory buy clause if Birmingham secured Premier League promotion, with the club willing to pay half of Akpom’s €5 million salary—an amount inflated by Ajax’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

As Akpom travelled to England, his former club Middlesbrough attempted to hijack the deal but were turned down.

Ipswich Town then entered the fray on the same day with an improved financial offer. Akpom subsequently cancelled his Birmingham medical and proceeded to complete one with Ipswich.

Birmingham, however, are not backing down and have returned with a permanent offer, hoping to convince the player to change his mind.

Ajax favour Birmingham’s proposal, given their preference for a permanent exit over Ipswich’s initial loan terms.

Akpom, who joined Ajax in 2023 from Middlesbrough for €12 million, has scored 23 goals in 68 appearances.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Lille and remains a player Ajax are eager to move on due to his significant salary burden.