Tolu Arokodare open to permanent Ajax move after Conference League impact

Tolu Arokodare says he would consider staying at Ajax permanently, but suggested the Dutch club may also need to improve his salary if they want to sign him from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Nigeria striker made a decisive contribution from the bench as Ajax recorded their first Conference League victory, beating Atalanta 2-0 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Thursday.

Arokodare came on in the 66th minute and scored in the 87th before setting up Abdellah Ouazane for Ajax’s second goal in the 93rd minute. The result followed an opening defeat by Hajduk Split.

A journalist told Arokodare after the match that Ajax would only need to pay a reported €20m to make his move permanent. The comment prompted laughter, according to Legit.ng.

The striker responded: “And maybe increase my salary.”

Asked about the possibility of remaining in Amsterdam, Arokodare said the transfer negotiations were a matter for the two clubs.

“That’s between Ajax and Wolves; I can’t say anything about it. Tell that to Ajax,” he said, in comments credited by Legit.ng to Livescore.

Arokodare joined Ajax on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Pulse Sports Nigeria’s weekend preview on 9 October listed him with six goals and two assists from nine appearances for the club.

The €20m figure has not been confirmed as an agreed transfer fee by either Ajax or Wolverhampton Wanderers. It was raised by a journalist during the press conference and is therefore a reported valuation rather than an established price.

A permanent transfer would involve separate negotiations. Ajax would first have to reach an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers over the fee, while the Dutch club would also need to settle personal terms with Arokodare.

Legit.ng reported that matching the wages the forward receives at Wolverhampton Wanderers could prove difficult for Ajax. His comments appeared to leave the transfer fee to the clubs while making clear that his own contract would also be an important part of any deal.

His performance against Atalanta strengthens his case. Arokodare scored late and created another goal during only his second appearance in the competition, giving Ajax further evidence of his value if they decide to pursue a permanent signing.

The forward’s form could also be relevant to Nigeria. Eric Chelle’s attacking options behind Victor Osimhen remain a point of discussion, while Soccernet has considered whether George Ilenikhena can provide a genuine alternative.

Regular European involvement and a decisive contribution for Ajax could improve Arokodare’s prospects when Nigeria squads are selected. Another Nigerian whose future has been the subject of discussion is goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.

For now, the outcome remains in the hands of Ajax and Wolverhampton Wanderers, as Arokodare himself indicated.