Ipswich Town secure permanent signing of English-Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom

Ipswich Town have completed the permanent signing of striker Chuba Akpom following their successful promotion to the Premier League.

The 30-year-old forward, who initially joined the club on loan from Ajax Amsterdam in the summer of 2025, has now signed a three-year contract that will keep him at Portman Road until June 2029.

The deal marks a vote of confidence from Ipswich as they continue to reshape their squad for the demands of the Premier League after a fiercely competitive Championship campaign.

Akpom arrived at Ipswich during a crucial phase of their promotion push, bringing experience, physical presence, and attacking versatility to a squad battling for a return to the top tier.

While not always the focal point of the attack, he played a valuable supporting role throughout the season, offering depth and tactical flexibility as Ipswich navigated a demanding Championship schedule.

In total, he made 30 league appearances, scoring twice during the campaign. Though the numbers may not fully reflect his influence, his contribution in build-up play, pressing, and squad rotation proved important in maintaining balance across the squad.

Ipswich’s return to the Premier League has been built on collective effort and squad unity, and Akpom’s permanent signing is seen as part of maintaining that continuity heading into a tougher challenge.

The club’s hierarchy views experience as essential for survival at the highest level, and Akpom’s background across multiple European leagues adds depth to their attacking options.

By securing his services permanently, Ipswich ensure stability in a key area as they prepare for life in the Premier League.

For Akpom, the move represents another chapter in a career that has seen him evolve across different leagues and roles. Having previously played in England before his spell in the Netherlands, his return to the Premier League stage with Ipswich offers an opportunity to re-establish himself at the highest level of English football.

Now settled at Portman Road, he will be expected to contribute both on and off the pitch as Ipswich look to consolidate their top-flight status.

As Ipswich prepare for the challenges ahead, the club are expected to continue strengthening their squad in key areas. Retaining players familiar with the system and dressing room environment has become a priority, with Akpom fitting into that long-term vision.

His experience, combined with his understanding of the club’s recent promotion journey, makes him a useful figure in what is expected to be a demanding Premier League season.

While not a headline-grabbing marquee signing, Akpom’s permanent transfer represents something equally important: continuity, stability, and belief in the group that delivered promotion.

Ipswich now turn their attention fully to survival and consolidation—but they will do so with a striker who has already been part of their rise, ready to take on the next challenge with them.