An unusual competition for Ajax striker Chuba Akpom: Three English clubs vie for his signature

After technical director Alex Kroes excluded the striker Chuba Akpom from first-team activities to push the English player out of the club, there was little interest shown for the former Arsenal player. English media mentioned Saudi club Al Ettifaq as a possible destination in July, but no offer was made for the sidelined forward.

According to Voetbal International, negotiations began on Sunday, August 3rd, when Ajax and Birmingham City reportedly reached an agreement regarding Akpom, who was set to be loaned to the Championship club with a mandatory purchase option if Birmingham achieved promotion to the Premier League.

Birmingham City was willing to cover half of Akpom's salary, which automatically increased to €5 million due to Ajax qualifying for this year's UEFA Champions League.

First attempt to hijack the deal

As Akpom was heading to England, his former club, Middlesbrough, attempted to hijack the agreement on Monday. Boro contacted Ajax, who favored Birmingham's offer and turned down Middlesbrough's inquiry.

On that same day, former Premier League team Ipswich Town intervened to hijack the Akpom transfer and bring the striker to Kieran McKenna's squad. Their proposal, which was similar to Birmingham's but with better financial terms, prompted Akpom and Ajax to cancel the already scheduled medical examination in Birmingham.

Medical completed at Ipswich

However, the Blues remained persistent in their pursuit of Akpom, now aiming for a permanent transfer. By this stage, Akpom favored the Ipswich offer and had already completed his medical examination.

Birmingham still believes they can persuade Akpom, whom they proposed a long-term contract, to reconsider the Ipswich arrangement and join them instead, knowing Ajax prefers a permanent transfer.

Ajax is eager to offload Akpom, whose salary exerts considerable pressure on the club's financial framework. A permanent transfer is therefore much more desirable than a loan arrangement like Ipswich's.

Chuba Akpom joined Ajax in 2023 from Middlesbrough, which received €12 million for the former Arsenal forward. In 68 appearances for the Amsterdam club, Akpom netted 23 goals. The Englishman was loaned to Lille for the latter half of the 2024/25 season.