Greg . 1 day ago

Bizarre tug of war for Ajax striker Chuba Akpom: three English teams battle for signing

A bizarre tug of war for Ajax striker Chuba Akpom has caused chaos in Amsterdam.

After technical director Alex Kroes banished striker Chuba Akpom from first-team activities in an try to compel the Englishman out of the club, little materialised in terms of interest for the former Arsenal man.

English reports named Saudi side Al Ettifaq as a potential destination in July, but a offer never came in for the castaway forward.

According to Voetbal International, business was set in motion on Sunday, August 3rd, when Ajax and Birmingham City reportedly came to an agreement over Akpom, who was to be loaned out to the Championship outfit with a mandatory option to purchase if Birmingham won promotion to the Premier League.

Birmingham City were prepared to take on half of Akpom's salary, which was automatically raised to €5 million thanks to Ajax qualifying for this year's UEFA Champions League.

First hijacking attemptAs Akpom was on his way to England, his former employers, Middlesbrough, came in to try and hijack the manage on Monday.

Boro were in contact with Ajax, who preferred Birmingham's proposal and rejected Middlesbrough's move toward.

That same day, former Premier League side Ipswich Town swooped in to hijack the Akpom manage and obtain the striker to join Kieran McKenna's team.

The move toward, which was similar to Birmingham's but with better financial conditions, was enough reason for Akpom and Ajax to cancel the already planned medical exam in Birmingham.

Completed medical at IpswichHowever, the Blues never offered up on Akpom, who they now wanted to obtain on a permanent manage.

By this time, Akpom preferred the Ipswich manage and possessed already completed his medical exam.

Birmingham still trust they can make Akpom, who they offered a long-term manage, rethink the Ipswich manage and join them instead, knowing Ajax prefer a permanent transfer.

Ajax desperately want to let move of Akpom, whose wages submit significant pressure on the club's financial structure.

A permanent transfer is therefore much preferred over a loan manage like Ipswich's.

Chuba Akpom joined Ajax in 2023 from Middlesbrough, who obtained €12 million for the former Arsenal forward.

In 68 games for the Amsterdam giants, Akpom scored 23 goals.

The Englishman was loaned out to Lille for the second half of the 2024/25 season.

Chuba Akpom's recent statisticsBetopick