Chuba Akpom set to complete Ajax switch

Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom has completed a move from Middlesbrough to Dutch giants Ajax after a fee of €14m was agreed between both sides.

Arsenal academy graduate Akpom was reborn as a player under Michael Carrick at Boro last season, scoring 29 goals in 42 appearances and leading the side to the Championship Playoff semifinals. The 27-year-old was one of the best players in the division and immediately caught the eye of multiple European clubs. He won the league’s Player of the Year award in his final season with Middlesbrough. 

Akpom had one year left on his contract at Teeside and decided it was time to move on after a brilliant season. He had an offer from French Ligue 1 outfit RC Lens which he turned down, preferring to join Ajax. He will be the Dutch side’s second Nigerian player in as many seasons after Calvin Bassey.

Ajax will pay a guaranteed sum of €12m to Middlesbrough, with an extra €2m in add-ons for the talented forward. He will look to help the side reclaim the league title after a poor 2022-23 season and a tumultuous summer which saw captain Dusan Tadic terminate his contract at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Akpom has agreed to a five-year deal with the Dutch giants and will join them after undergoing medicals.