Nigeria-eligible forward Chuba Akpom has reflected on his time at Ajax Amsterdam and the difficulties he faced at the Dutch club.
The 30-year-old who graduated from the Hale End Academy, joined the Eredivisie side in 2023 after leaving Middlesbrough, but endured a tough spell at the club.
He first joined Lille on loan in the winter transfer window of 2025, before joining Ipswich Town last summer on a loan deal as well. However, the deal included an obligation for a permanent transfer if the Tractor Boys secure promotion to the top flight.
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Following their 3-0 win over Queen Park Rangers last weekend which sealed an immediate promotion to the Premier League, Ipswich activated the clause and will pay £7 million to Ajax for the move.
It brings an end to Akpom’s spell at Ajax, where he 23 goals from 68 appearances across all competitions, as he now embraces a new chapter in his career at Ipswich Town.
Chuba Akpom reflects on tough Ajax spell
Akpom began his career at Arsenal, but struggled for a breakthrough due to the intense competition for places at the North London club.
It looked like he was set for the next big move of his career when he joined Ajax back in 2023, but the move did not go as planned as he spent more time away on loan from the club.
Speaking after completing the permanent switch to Ipswich Town this week, the 30-year-old opened up on how difficult it was during his time at the Dutch club.
“There were many new players, a new coach and a new technical director,” Akpom revealed.
“With so many changes, it’s difficult to succeed immediately. I would have preferred to arrive in a stable situation; now, all the new signings had a tough time.
“Many people criticized him”, the Nigeria-eligible forward added, speaking about the former Ajax technical director Sven Mislintat.
“The players signed by Mislintat almost felt guilty for having a long and expensive contract. That undermined our confidence and, in my opinion, we were viewed with suspicion”, he concluded.
Akpom will now be eyeing a more improved role for Ipswich Town when they return to the Premier League for the 2026-27 season, following previous underwhelming spells in the league.
