Chuba Akpom sparks transfer battle as Sunderland joins Lens and Lille for Ajax striker

Chuba Akpom’s name has become one of the most talked-about in the January transfer window, as Sunderland AFC make a late push to secure the Ajax striker.

Akpom, 29, joined the Dutch club in 2023 following a stellar stint at Middlesbrough, where he claimed the Championship Golden Boot with 28 goals in 40 matches. Despite his move to Ajax, the forward could be on the move again, with Ligue 1 outfits RC Lens and Lille OSC closely monitoring his situation.

Sunderland’s entry into the race signals the club’s ambition to bolster their promotion campaign to the Premier League. The Black Cats are banking on Akpom’s proven ability in the Championship to give them an edge in the second half of the season.

This isn’t Sunderland’s first bold move this winter. They recently captured French midfielder Enzo Le Fée on loan from AS Roma, with an option to buy. Now, the club is hoping to replicate that success by beating European competition for Akpom’s signature.