Ipswich Town have launched a dramatic late bid to hijack Birmingham City’s proposed move for Ajax Nigerian striker Chuba Akpom.
Akpom, 29, was expected to complete a medical at Birmingham today after the Championship side agreed terms with Ajax for a season-long loan with a promotion-triggered obligation to buy.
But Sky Sports reports that Ipswich have made a surprise 11th-hour approach to sign the former Middlesbrough and Arsenal forward. The development has created a tense standoff, with multiple clubs now in the mix.
Akpom celebrating one of his goals for Ajax. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Olympiakos and Akpom’s former club Middlesbrough are also said to be monitoring the situation closely.
Ajax, who signed Akpom from Middlesbrough in 2023, are open to letting him leave this summer. The Nigerian spent the second half of last season on loan at Lille, scoring three goals in 16 appearances.
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Sources close to the deal suggest the final decision could now rest with Akpom himself if Ajax approve multiple offers.
Akpom is well-versed in English football, having come through Arsenal’s academy and played for a number of Championship sides including Hull City, Brighton, and Nottingham Forest.
Akpom celebrating his debut goal for Lille last season. Photo Credit: X
His most prolific spell came at Middlesbrough, where he scored 34 goals in 82 appearances.
Birmingham had planned to pair Akpom with fellow Nigerian Bright Osayi-Samuel, who recently joined from Fenerbahçe, but Ipswich’s sudden interest could derail that plan.
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With the summer transfer window entering its final weeks, the coming days will prove crucial in determining where Akpom lands.
