A tense saga nearly saw Chuba Akpom trade Ajax’s red for Saudi riches he admits the emotional strain left him sleepless for nearly a week. There was widespread buzz that a Saudi club was prepared to meet Ajax’s demands in the summer transfer window. The striker, currently on loan in France, took to Instagram to share how the proposed switch unfolded and how overwhelming it was. “I didn’t sleep for five days,” he said, confessing the anxiety and excitement that kept him awake.
Akpom explained he was caught off-guard when talks intensified. “I knew it might happen, but once it’s real… it’s a lot,” he admitted. Though the move ultimately fell through, the forward said the rollercoaster left a lasting mark. Ajax decided against the deal, opting to retain the 29 year old. Akpom said he’s refocused on his career, though he hasn’t ruled out a future transfer. He described the experience as one of the toughest periods of his life — an unexpected test outside the pitch.
Editorial
We’ve watched Akpom’s career with admiration, and this episode underscores just how unpredictable life as a footballer is. Dream moves to Saudi Arabia carry glamour — lucrative contracts, fresh challenges, worldwide attention. Yet behind the headlines, they often precipitate genuine personal turmoil.
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We feel his honesty “I didn’t sleep for five days” lays bare the emotional cost of high-stakes negotiation. We recall that footballers, despite their fame, are often caught between professional aspirations and mental well‑being. Akpom’s transparency sparks a larger conversation that resonates well beyond Ajax.
We believe clubs and agents must recognise the psychological strain their players endure. If the transfer window feels like a whirlwind to observers, imagine experiencing it firsthand. We urge the footballing world to prioritise mental health just as much as physical fitness.
We stand with Akpom and hope this candid disclosure helps normalise the conversation. A footballer’s mental state deserves as much care as their performance on the pitch, and this episode reminds us: emotional resilience is every bit as vital as athletic ability.
Did You Know?
- Akpom began his youth career at Arsenal, progressing through their academy from the age of six.
- In the 2022–23 season, he scored a remarkable 28 goals for Middlesbrough, earning the EFL Championship Golden Boot.
- Despite being born in England, Akpom is eligible to represent Nigeria and remains uncapped for Super Eagles.
- His path to Ajax included playing for PAOK in Greece, where he recorded 17 goals in 54 matches.
- His current loan to Lille marks his first professional stint in France’s Ligue 1.
