Nigerian attacker Chuba Akpom has completed a loan transfer from Dutch Eredvisie club Ajax to English Championship club Ipswich Town.
Akpom has caused quite a ruckus in the English Championship over the last few days.
Recall that coach John Heitinga informed him to get a new club earlier in the summer. But the transfer talks surrounding him were slow.
However, things got heated up last week as news broke that the 29-year-old attacker was close to a return to the English Championship with Birmingham City in a season-long loan deal. It was also revealed that Middlesbrough were looking to hijack the transfer.
The transfer to Birmingham City seemed done and dusted until the last minute when it was revealed that Ipswich had successfully hijacked the transfer.
Akpom had even successfully undergone a medical. But Birmingham changed their offer to a permanent deal and sent a bid of €6 million to Ajax.
The Dutch club accepted the deal, but Akpom was still set on his Ipswich move. Coincidentally, Ipswich Town and Birmingham City met in the opening game of the Championship last Friday and played out a 1-1 draw.
Things went silent for a few days. But now, the deal has been sealed. This is as Ipswich Town have confirmed the signing of Akpom in a season-long loan deal.
The contract includes an option to buy at €7 million if Ipswich Town get promoted to the Premier League.
Chuba Akpom’s transfer to Ipswich Town is a great deal, as the former Arsenal man has Championship experience. In fact, he was the highest goalscorer in the league three seasons ago with Middlesbrough.
He will hope to flourish under coach Kieran McKenna and help the club gain promotion to the English Premier League next season.
Akpom can operate as a striker, a supporting striker, or an attacking midfielder. So he gives the coach different options.
He becomes the third Nigerian to don Ipswich colors after Sone Aluko and Super Eagles legend Finidi George.
Meanwhile, despite switching from England to Nigeria years ago, Akpom has not gotten an invitation to the Super Eagles squad yet.
He will hope that his performances warrant a call-up in the coming months as he is already nearing the twilight of his career.
Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.
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