Ajax’s technical director says the option to buy is sorted and the striker’s salary is arranged, though the Nigerian also asked for a pay rise.
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Ajax technical director Jordi Cruyff has hinted strongly that the Dutch giants will turn Tolu Arokodare’s loan into a permanent transfer. Speaking on Ziggo Sport’s Rondo programme on Monday evening, Cruyff said the club has already agreed all the details of the option to buy.
Arokodare joined from Wolves on a season-long loan on July 29, and Ajax are covering his full wages. The option to make the deal permanent is reported at around €20 million, although figures in different reports range from €18 million to €22 million. Ajax only need to trigger it in 2027.
Cruyff was keen to praise the striker’s attitude as well as his goals. He said Arokodare has a good mentality and is a team player, and he added a note of caution that strikers always have their ups and downs.
“Everything has already been arranged. His salary too.”
A Fast Start In Amsterdam
The numbers explain Cruyff’s confidence. The 25 year old has scored 10 goals and made three assists in 15 appearances for Ajax in all competitions.
That is a big change from last season. Wolves paid around £24 million to sign him from Genk, but he scored only six goals in 38 appearances as the club was relegated from the Premier League. Cruyff recalled the chatter when Ajax signed a player from a relegated team, and he said Arokodare has settled in very well. Fans following Nigerian strikers abroad can check Bet9ja’s YOHAIG welcome code before the next European night.
Ajax were not worried by that record, because Arokodare’s Belgian numbers were strong. He scored 41 goals and made 12 assists in 113 appearances for Genk, and he was the top scorer in the Belgian league in 2024/25.
Pay Rise Talk And The Buy Option
Cruyff also revealed one small detail. He said Arokodare did ask for a pay rise at a recent press conference, even though his salary for a permanent deal has already been settled.
The option is not mandatory, so Ajax can still walk away. Wolves will also receive bonuses linked to Ajax’s qualification for European competitions, and the Amsterdam club paid a £1 million loan fee at the start. Readers who like to follow transfers can look at the Bet9ja promotion for new customers while they wait for the next update.
What Comes Next
Ajax visit FC Midtjylland in the Conference League on Thursday, November 5, with kick-off at 6:45pm Nigerian time. Arokodare will hope to add to his tally in Denmark.
A strong season in Amsterdam also helps his case with the Super Eagles. With Nigeria preparing for the Tanzania qualifiers, his scoring form puts him in the conversation for a place in Eric Chelle’s squad.
For Wolves, the situation is less comfortable. They signed him for a big fee and now watch him flourish elsewhere, though the buy option should bring a good return. New Bet9ja users can read the Bet9ja promo code FAQ to see how welcome offers work.
📌 Did You Know?
- Arokodare scored 23 goals for Genk in 2024/25 and finished as the top scorer in the Belgian league.
- Ajax paid Wolves a £1 million loan fee and cover the striker’s full wages for the 2026/27 season.
- Arokodare wears the number 99 shirt at Ajax and names Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu as his role model.
- Before joining Ajax, he turned down a move to Trabzonspor because he preferred a move to Italy.
- Wolves signed Arokodare in 2025 for a reported £24 million after he scored 31 league goals in 79 games for Genk.
