Super Eagles hopeful Chuba Akpom joins Lille OSC on-loan from Ajax
Super Eagles of Nigeria hopeful, Chuba Akpom has joined French club Lille on loan from Ajax, with an option to buy.
Lille announced the deal, confirming that the 29-year-old will stay until the end of the 2024/25 season.
Akpom arrives as backup for Canadian forward Jonathan David, who has scored 20 goals and provided eight assists in all competitions this season.
Lille described Akpom as a “technical, hard-working, and powerful striker.” The London-born player started his career at Arsenal but struggled to make an impact, spending time on loan at clubs like Hull City and Brighton. He has also played for PAOK Salonika and Middlesbrough.
Lille, currently fourth in Ligue 1, have been dealing with injuries to key players like midfielder Edon Zhegrova and forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo. However, coach Bruno Genesio had initially hoped to sign a winger instead of a striker.
“The worst thing is to buy for the sake of buying,” Genesio said. “The player must fit into the team’s style and spirit.”