Chuba Akpom has been told he is no longer in Ajax’s plans for the upcoming season, with reports emerging that the Dutch giants informed the Super Eagles hopeful via WhatsApp.
Akpom, 29, joined Ajax from Middlesbrough in 2023 but has struggled to settle, enduring a frustrating campaign that included a January loan spell at Lille, where he scored three goals in 16 Ligue 1 appearances.
Despite his efforts in France, Lille opted not to make the deal permanent, and upon his return, Ajax swiftly moved to inform the former Arsenal youth player—and six others—that they are surplus to requirements.
According to reports from TalkSport, the communication did not come in a formal meeting, but via WhatsApp. The players have since been removed from first-team activities and now face heavily restricted access to training facilities.
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They are no longer allowed to use the gym or pitch until after the main squad finishes, and their parking spaces have been revoked. Only one physio has reportedly been assigned to the group.
Akpom, Forbs, and Sosa still have three years remaining on their contracts, making offloading them financially urgent for Ajax as they look to reinvest in new signings.
The shake-up comes under new manager John Heitinga, who replaced Francesco Farioli following a dramatic Eredivisie title collapse. Ajax squandered a nine-point lead with five matches to go, ultimately losing the title to PSV on the final day of the season.
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Despite finishing second, Ajax will participate in the revamped UEFA Champions League phase, adding further urgency to Heitinga’s plans to rebuild the squad.
Akpom’s future remains uncertain, with his time at Ajax seemingly at an abrupt end, less than two years after his £12 million move from England.
