AFC Ajax make transfer decision on 129-goal Nigerian forward amidst links to Man United flop

AFC Ajax are willing to sanction the sale of Chuba Akpom this summer as the Dutch giants look to rebuild their attack ahead of the 2024/25 season, Soccernet.ng reports.

Akpom joined Ajax last year for €12 million after an excellent campaign at Middlesbrough but he struggled to stamp his mark as the club endured a disappointing season.

Former OGC Nice manager Francesco Farioli has been brought in to give the club a new identity ahead of the challenge next season.

The Italian tactician has reportedly identified Netherlands international Wout Weghorst – who is under contract with Burnley until 2025 – as the man to lead Ajax’s attack next season.

However, before Ajax can make a move for Weghorst, who failed to find the net in 17 league games while on loan at Manchester United in 2023, the club need to sanction the departure of Akpom.

According to Voetbal Headliner, Ajax deem it ‘especially necessary’ to let the Nigerian forward leave Amsterdam to make room in the squad for the former Wolfsburg striker.

Interestingly, Akpom with 129 career goals to his name has not attracted much interest from other clubs so far, making it difficult for Ajax to close that chapter.

Weghorst, on the other hand, is being courted by clubs in Italy including Trabzonspor but the 31-year-old is more inclined towards a move to Ajax.

Akpom scored 15 goals in all competitions for Ajax in his debut season, 11 of which came in only eight starts in the Eredivisie.