Tolu Arokodare: Cruyff on Ajax’s permanent move after brace

Ajax technical director Jordi Cruyff says everything is already arranged on a permanent deal for Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare, the day before the 25-year-old scored twice in a 6-1 Conference League win at FC Midtjylland.

Arokodare joined Ajax from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan in the summer, with an option to make the move permanent that was reported by Complete Sports at close to €20m. Fee figures have varied: Soccernet's earlier report on Ajax's talks with Wolves carried a different number.

Cruyff spoke to Ziggo Sport, as reported by Complete Sports, and said the terms are settled.

“Everything has already been arranged.”

He also said Arokodare asked for a pay rise at the last press conference, praised his adaptation and added a note of caution about strikers' form.

“He has a good mentality, he's a team player, and that's important.”

Two goals and an assist in Herning

On Thursday night Arokodare opened the scoring at the MCH Arena after 10 minutes and made it 2-1 in the 52nd, then set up Owen Wijndal for the third in the 59th as Ajax ran out 6-1 winners.

The performance, reported by Sports247, takes him to three goals and two assists in three Conference League appearances this season, and to 12 goals in all competitions. He has been a regular in Soccernet's coverage since his open admission about a permanent move.

Analysis: The brace helps Ajax's case, but the fee is still the question

A striker with 12 goals in the first months of a loan gives Ajax a simple argument for making the deal permanent, and Cruyff's words suggest the club's side of the talks is in order. If Wolves hold out for more than the reported option price, the fee, not the player's form, is what would decide it.

For the Super Eagles, a striker in this form is welcome ahead of the AFCON qualifiers against Tanzania in November. Ajax's next game is against Twente on Sunday, before the international break.