Ex-England midfielder urges Akpom to replace Liam Delap at Ipswich

Chuba Akpom spent the final five months of the 2024/2025 season on loan with French Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille…

Former England U-21 and Newcastle United midfielder Darren Ambrose has urged Ipswich Town to go all out for Ajax and Super Eagles forward Chuba Akpom, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 29-year-old striker was frozen out at Ajax during the winter transfer window, but he joined Lille on loan, scoring three goals and providing one assist in 14 Ligue 1 games.

The French side opted against signing the former Arsenal man on a permanent deal, meaning he had to return to Amsterdam.

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Ajax have made it clear they have no plans for the one-cap Super Eagles star, and the striker is keen on finding a new club before the end of the transfer window.

Akpom's preference is a return to England, and two EFL Championship clubs –Ipswich Town and Birmingham City have registered their interest in him.

Ambrose urges Akpom to replace Liam Delap

Ipswich Town finished 19th in the English Premier League last season and have parted ways with their top goalscorer in the tournament, Liam Delap.

The 22-year-old scored goals in the league last season and joined Chelsea last month for €35.5m, leaving a gap in Ipswich's attack.

The ex-Ipswich Town midfielder revealed how much of an addition Akpom would be to Kieran McKenna's side, given his experience in the EFL Championship.

“I think he'll be the main man, the main focal point wherever he goes,” the 41-year-old told the EADT and Ipswich Star via Betway.

“Obviously, Liam Delap moving on to Chelsea frees up that spot in Ipswich Town’s team. Akpom’s got experience in the Championship with promotions as well.

“He played for Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough, and Hull – he's a good goalscorer. He came through at Arsenal, so you know that he's clearly very talented.

“He’s gone around the divisions, gone around Europe playing, so I'm really hoping he picks Ipswich. Hopefully, he can make an impact because again, I still think they need a couple more players.

“After losing Liam Delap and Sam Morsy, I still think they need a couple more to come in. If Ipswich can get that one over the line, it'll be great for them,” the former Crystal Palace midfielder concluded.

Akpom is expected to make his decision on his next club in the coming days, but fans of Birmingham and Ipswich are waiting for a positive answer from the England-born Nigerian.