Rumour Mills: Chuba Akpom hints at possible summer exit from Ajax 

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom has hinted at a possible departure from Dutch Eredivisie side Ajax before the current transfer window closes, citing his limited playing time as the primary concern.

The 28-year-old, who joined Ajax last summer from Middlesbrough, has found regular game opportunities hard to come by.

Akpom, currently engaged in preseason training with Ajax, expressed his commitment to giving his best in training while awaiting assurances of more playing time or considering a move elsewhere.

“What I’ve learned throughout my career is to stay focused on football; if you start thinking about things off the pitch, you get distracted,” Akpom remarked in an interview with NOS. “I don’t know if I’ll still be here next week or by the end of the transfer window, but every day I come to the club, I train as if I’ll be staying here this season.”

“I don’t think I can sit on the bench as a second striker for another year. If I’m more involved in games this year, I’d like to stay here. If not, it might be time to look elsewhere.”

Nottingham Forest has shown interest in Akpom, previously proposing a loan deal with an option to buy, which Ajax did not accept. Reports from Soccernews indicate that Ajax countered with a 17 million euro offer plus additional guarantees after Nottingham Forest initially offered over fifteen million euros for a permanent transfer, which was rejected.

Akpom’s market value has decreased from 11.6 million euros in February to 8.3 million euros. With Ajax facing pressure to sell players before making new signings, the club may be susceptible to offers from other interested clubs.