Chuba Akpom set to join Ajax from Middlesborough for €14M

Dutch football powerhouse Ajax are poised to sign striker Chuba Akpom from Middlesbrough, according to The Athletic.

The player is keen on the move and has now received permission to travel for his medical after the two clubs reached an agreement.

The 27-year-old will join the Eredivisie side Ajax for a fee of €12 million, with an additional €2 million in the pipeline through performance-based add-ons.

Akpom is slated to undertake a medical examination on Monday, after which he is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Dutch side.

Akpom’s brilliance shone brightly throughout last season, playing a talismanic role for Boro, bagging 29 goals in 42 matches across all competitions. 

Middlesbrough had activated a one-year extension on his contract as he had a year remaining on his deal, but the centre-forward will leave to test himself on a larger stage.

Previously, Akpom had voiced his desire to remain with Middlesbrough, even though he acknowledged that certain variables were beyond his influence. 

Akpom’s journey began at Arsenal, graduating from their Hale End academy before he embarked on a series of loans within the Football League before finally establishing himself at Greek club PAOK.

He returned to English football and played a vital role as Boro finished in the promotion play-off spot last season.

As Ajax rebound from a disappointing finish in the previous Eredivisie season, the acquisition of Akpom will help strengthen their forward line.

Following the departure of Dusan Tadic, Ajax needed a new striker to give Brian Brobbey competition up top and allow Mohammed Kudus to play in or on the wing. They have their man.

Ajax faced criticism for their sluggishness in the transfer market but have now sprung to life.

They have signed Carlos Borges, Diant Ramaj, Benjamin Tahirovic, Jakov Medic, and Branco van den Boomen. Josip Sutalo will also join from Dinamo Zagreb.