Chuba Akpom, the former Arsenal winger and current Ajax forward, is close to sealing a move to Birmingham City. The deal is expected to be a season-long loan from Ajax, with an obligation to buy should the club succeed in gaining promotion to the Premier League. Reports suggest that key formalities depend solely on medical clearance.
Akpom, 29, has sought guaranteed playing time after a challenging period at Ajax and a less prolific spell on loan at Lille, where he scored 3 goals in 14 matches. The striker had impressed earlier in his career, winning the Championship Golden Boot with 28 goals for Middlesbrough in 2022/23, but has struggled for consistency at Ajax.
Birmingham City are eager to strengthen their attacking options under manager Chris Davies, having already signed talent like Kyogo Furuhashi. Akpom’s potential arrival forms part of a broader ambition to make the club promotion-ready.
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Editorial
We welcome this move as an intelligent reset for both player and club. For Akpom, who has experience across multiple European leagues, this is an ideal chance to reignite his career in familiar territory England.
At 29, he still possesses raw power and finishing skill, attributes proven during his 2022/23 season but he needs a stable environment to restore momentum. Birmingham, aggressively reshaping their attacking spine, looks to offer just that: a project with ambition, driven leadership, and clear intent.
For Ajax, proceeding with a loan and possible sale helps balance squad depth and finances. And for Birmingham, acquiring a proven goalscorer on conditional terms reduces risk while maximising potential return.
This move could be symbolic of wider change: a striker who once felt surplus in the Netherlands finding revival in the Championship. If Akpom regains form, he offers not only goals, but mentorship to rising stars at St Andrew’s. Ultimately, Veteran quality meets club vision a partnership that could elevate both.
Did You Know?
- Akpom spent his youth career at Arsenal’s Hale End Academy before turning professional. Despite being highly regarded, he made just 12 senior appearances for the Gunners before departing in 2018.
- He won the EFL Championship Golden Boot in 2022/23, scoring 28 goals for Middlesbrough where he also claimed both Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards.
- Akpom has represented England at youth levels, including U16 through U21, before switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2019 the has yet to make a senior appearance.
- His current loan-to-buy transfer structure at Birmingham mirrors those for other signings like Tommy Doyle, allowing the club to secure ambitions while deferring financial obligations.
- At Lille, Akpom wore the No. 24 jersey, and he joins a club noted for developing Nigerian forwards including Victor Osimhen, who previously starred for the Ligue 1 side.
