Birmingham City to rival Samsunspor for ex-Arsenal man who dumped England for Nigeria

Birmingham City have launched a move to sign Nigeria’s Chuba Akpom from Ajax, intensifying competition for the former Arsenal academy graduate.

Ajax are actively seeking a way to offload the 29-year-old striker, who struggled to find form since arriving in Amsterdam from Middlesbrough for over €12 million last summer.

After a difficult loan spell at Lille, where he managed just three goals and one assist in 16 appearances, the Dutch giants are exploring exit options for the out-of-favour forward.

According to De Telegraaf, Birmingham have opened discussions over a potential season-long loan with an option to buy.

Although Ajax initially hoped to secure a permanent transfer, tepid interest from clubs across Europe has forced the Eredivisie outfit to consider temporary solutions to reduce Akpom’s significant wage burden.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

Akpom's current contract runs until June 2028, but Ajax are reportedly prepared to cut their losses. The club’s hierarchy are keen to remove his salary from their books after a disappointing campaign in which the forward scored just seven times in 32 matches.

Despite his struggles in France and the Netherlands, Akpom remains a proven performer in the English Championship.

During his time at Middlesbrough, he scored 28 goals in the 2022/23 season, winning the division's Golden Boot and earning a spot in the Team of the Season. That form earned him his move to Ajax but it’s a level he has yet to replicate abroad.

Meanwhile, Turkish club Samsunspor are still reportedly pushing to sign Akpom as part of a double offensive reinforcement plan, with another Bundesliga-based forward also on their radar.

Though Ajax’s valuation may stretch Samsunspor’s budget, the Turkish side remains keen on structuring a deal that includes either a loan or an option to buy.

Born in London, Akpom came through Arsenal’s youth ranks and represented England at youth level before switching allegiance to Nigeria.

With both Birmingham and Samsunspor interested, the next few weeks could be crucial in determining where the next chapter of his career unfolds.