Nigeria Players Abroad
Ajax seal loan deal for Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare from Wolves – Report
Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare is set to continue his career in the Netherlands after Eredivisie giants Ajax reached an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers for his season-long loan move ahead of the 2026/2027 campaign.
Transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the deal has been agreed between both clubs, with Ajax securing the services of the Nigerian international on an initial one-year loan that includes an option to make the transfer permanent next summer.
Arokodare joined Wolves from Belgian side Genk last summer following a prolific campaign that established him as one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
However, the move to England proved challenging for the 25-year-old, who struggled to reproduce his goalscoring exploits in the Premier League.
The Nigerian striker managed six goals and two assists in 38 appearances across all competitions as Wolves endured a disappointing campaign that ended with relegation to the Championship.
His lack of regular starts and the club’s demotion immediately sparked speculation over his future, with several clubs monitoring his situation during the summer transfer window.
Trabzonspor and Fiorentina were both credited with interest in the Super Eagles forward before Ajax emerged as the frontrunners for his signature.
Reports surrounding Arokodare’s future intensified after claims surfaced that he had been instructed to train away from Wolves’ first-team squad following an alleged disagreement at the club’s training ground.
The striker subsequently dismissed the reports, insisting he remained fully professional throughout his time at Molineux despite growing uncertainty over his future.
Ajax have now moved decisively to secure the striker’s services, with Romano revealing that the Dutch champions will cover Arokodare’s full salary throughout the duration of the loan.
The agreement also contains a non-mandatory purchase option worth €22 million, allowing Ajax the opportunity to complete a permanent transfer at the end of the season.
In addition, Wolves will receive a loan fee as part of the arrangement, while further performance-related bonuses have been included should Ajax qualify for European competition during Arokodare’s stay.
The move offers the Nigerian international the chance to rediscover the form that made him one of Belgium’s most feared forwards before his switch to England.
With Ajax preparing to compete domestically and in Europe, Arokodare will be hoping regular football in familiar surroundings can reignite his career and strengthen his position in the Super Eagles ahead of the new season.