Chuba Akpom transfer news: Ipswich sign Ajax forward despite interest from Birmingham, Middlesbrough and Olympiakos
Chuba Akpom transfer news: Ipswich sign Ajax forward despite interest from Birmingham, Middlesbrough and Olympiakos.
Ipswich Town have announced the signing of Chuba Akpom, following a dramatic saga involving four clubs; Birmingham, Middlesbrough, and Olympiakos all showed interest in the Ajax forward, but a dramatic week has seen multiple U-turns and cancelled medicals.
Ipswich Town have signed Chuba Akpom on a season-long loan, putting an end to speculation about the Ajax forward’s future.
If Kieran McKenna’s side is promoted to the Premier League this season, they will be obligated to pay £7 million for the 29-year-old.
Ipswich beat Birmingham, Middlesbrough, and Olympiakos to Akpom’s signing, winning a dramatic race with many twists and turns in just over a week.
“I was really excited when I heard of the interest and I’m delighted to have joined a club with such big ambitions,” Akpom disclosed to TownTV. “I watch a lot of football and have always thought Ipswich would fit my style, so this move makes perfect sense.
“I’ve had a lot of good experiences in the last few years, including playing in the Champions League with Lille, and I believe they’ve all helped me grow as a player and become the person I am today.
“I’m here to do as much as I can do to help the team, in the changing room and on the pitch, and I’ll bring a winning mentality here.” Sky Sports News provides behind-the-scenes details from a saga that eventually led to Akpom choosing Suffolk as his next destination…
U-turns, loans and cancelled medicals
Sky Sports News’ Anthony Joseph: This was a fast-paced story that unfolded over the course of 72 hours last week.
Four clubs, Ipswich, Birmingham, Middlesbrough, and Olympiakos, are all interested in signing the 29-year-old. We reported 17 updates on this saga, with myself and my colleagues Dharmesh Sheth and Keith Downie closely monitoring every development.
We had been monitoring Akpom’s situation since last month due to interest from an unnamed Scottish Premiership club, which had made an ambitious approach as they sought to add quality to their European venture. Here’s how it turned out…
Saturday August 2
The drama begins as Sky Sports News reports Birmingham are in talks with Ajax about a season-long loan deal.
Sunday August 3
Birmingham appear to be close to completing a season-long loan deal with a £7 million buyout clause if they are promoted. Akpom is on his way to England to complete his medical.
But then Akpom’s former club Middlesbrough enters the picture and begins talks with Ajax. The striker was Boro’s top scorer in the Championship two years ago before moving to Ajax for £12.3 million. He has a connection to the club and its fans. Birmingham supporters are in a panic.
Olympiakos also expresses interest but never engages in formal negotiations. Middlesbrough has been in talks with Ajax about a loan move throughout the day but has been unable to reach an agreement because Ajax wants a permanent transfer or an obligation to buy.
Sky Sports News is then informed that Akpom is visiting Birmingham. That is it, right? Nope!
Monday August 4
Sky Sports News begins to receive information that Ipswich have made a late approach. As the day progresses, it becomes clear that Ipswich are close to reaching an agreement with Ajax on a similar deal to Birmingham’s.
Akpom postpones his medical with Birmingham while awaiting updates on the negotiations. Ipswich agree to the deal with Ajax, and Akpom decides to travel to Suffolk for a medical, arriving in the evening and undergoing the procedure around 9 p.m.
So that’s Akpom to Ipswich, correct? Nope, Birmingham has not given up just yet! They have reopened talks with Ajax about a permanent deal that is more beneficial to the Dutch giants. A fee of £6 million is being discussed.
Tuesday August 5
Birmingham makes an official bid of £6 million, and Ajax wants to do the deal. However, Akpom has completed his medical with Ipswich and plans to join them.
Ajax begins to put pressure on Akpom because they want to complete the permanent deal with Birmingham. The power appears to be with Ajax, who have yet to sanction any deal at this time.
Wednesday August 6
With the saga entering its fourth day, Birmingham have pulled out of the race after Akpom informed them and Ajax that he wants to join Ipswich.
The Championship season opener between Birmingham and Ipswich on Friday promises to be an explosive finale.
However, the transfer was not completed on time, and Akpom was officially unveiled as an Ipswich player on Sunday night, two days after his new club opened their Championship campaign with a 1-1 draw against Birmingham.
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