Chuba Akpom Set to Rejoin Ajax Following Successful Loan at Lille: ‘Objective Achieved’

Striker Chuba Akpom is set to make his return to Ajax once his loan spell with Ligue 1 outfit Lille concludes this summer.

The English forward began the season as Ajax’s third-choice striker, following Brian Brobbey and Wout Weghorst, but he was loaned to Lille in January. The fifth-placed team in Ligue 1 announced on Sunday that Akpom will return to the Dutch capital.

This announcement coincided with news of Dutch left-back Mitchel Bakker also making his way back to Atalanta after completing his loan in France. “Mission accomplished for Mitchel Bakker and Chuba Akpom,” stated the club’s release.

“On loan from Atalanta and Ajax Amsterdam, respectively, Mitchel Bakker and Chuba Akpom have contributed their professionalism and experience as valuable assets to our squad this season.

“Bakker, who featured in 35 matches and netted four goals, showcased his versatility and ability to compete at the highest standard. Meanwhile, Akpom, who joined in the latter part of the winter transfer window, made 14 appearances, scoring three crucial goals.”

Having emerged from Arsenal’s youth ranks, Akpom signed with Ajax in the summer of 2023 after an impressive spell at Middlesbrough, where he notched 28 goals in 40 Championship appearances. Since his arrival in Amsterdam, the 29-year-old has found the back of the net 22 times in 63 matches across all competitions.