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 attempt to force 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 bid 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 about Akpom, who was to be loaned out to the Championship outfit with a mandatory option to buy 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 attempt
As Akpom was on his way to England, his former employers, Middlesbrough, came in to try and hijack the deal on Monday. Boro were in contact with Ajax, who preferred Birmingham's proposal and rejected Middlesbrough's approach.
That same day, former Premier League side Ipswich Town swooped in to hijack the Akpom deal and get the striker to join Kieran McKenna's team. The approach, 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 Ipswich
However, the Blues never gave up on Akpom, who they now wanted to get on a permanent deal. By this time, Akpom preferred the Ipswich deal and had already completed his medical exam.
Birmingham still believe they can make Akpom, who they offered a long-term deal, rethink the Ipswich deal and join them instead, knowing Ajax prefer a permanent transfer.
Ajax desperately want to let go of Akpom, whose wages apply significant pressure on the club's financial structure. A permanent transfer is therefore much preferred over a loan deal like Ipswich's.
Chuba Akpom joined Ajax in 2023 from Middlesbrough, who got €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.