Ajax pocket €9 million after Nigerian attacker helps Ipswich seal Premier League promotion

Former Dutch Eredivisie champions Ajax are set to receive a €9 million windfall for Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom following Ipswich Town’s promotion to the English Premier League, Afrik-Foot reports.

The final round of games for the 2025/26 English Championship season were played on Saturday, with Portman Road being one of the attraction centers as Ipswich Town hosted QPR.

Going into the game, the Tractor Boys needed a victory to guarantee automatic promotion.

They delivered in emphatic fashion, downing QPR 3-0 with goals from George Hirst, Jaden Philogene, and Kasey McAteer to seal their return to the top flight.

Ipswich Town players celebrate following the Ipswich Town v Queens Park Rangers Sky Bet Championship match at Portman Road — Akpom and Ipswich Town players celebrate. Copyright: xIMAGOx SallyxRawlinsx/xEveryxSecondxMediax

Although Akpom did not feature in the match—remaining an unused substitute—the result has a significant impact on his future.

The Promotion Clause: How Ipswich’s Success Affects Akpom

Chuba Akpom joined Ipswich Town from Ajax on a season-long loan last summer.

At the time, the deal appeared to be a masterstroke because only two seasons ago, Akpom was named the Championship Player of the Year after a sensational campaign with Middlesbrough, where he recorded 28 goals and two assists in 40 appearances.

However, the 30-year-old’s time at Portman Road hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. Relegated largely to a substitute role, Akpom has struggled for consistency, featuring in 29 Championship games while contributing just two goals and one assist.

Despite his limited impact on the pitch, his stay at the club is set to become permanent.

Ajax offer Chuba Akpom no guarantees despite stellar Sittard showing — Photo by IMAGO

According to ESPN NL, Akpom’s loan agreement included an obligation-to-buy clause triggered specifically by Ipswich Town’s promotion to the Premier League. Consequently, the club is now required to pay Ajax €9 million this summer to finalize the transfer.

Chuba Akpom and the Super Eagles

Born in England to Nigerian parents, Akpom remains eligible to represent both nations. Although the former Arsenal academy graduate has frequently expressed his desire to wear the green and white of Nigeria, he has yet to receive a senior call-up.

Chuba Akpom at Ipswich — Copyright: ImagoxTomxCusden/

The high level of competition within the Super Eagles’ attacking department—currently boasting the likes of Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, and Paul Onuachu —has made it difficult for Akpom to break into the squad.

However, a fresh start in the Premier League next season could provide the platform he needs to rediscover his form and finally catch the eye of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.