Tolu Arokodare: What is standing between Nigeria star and permanent Ajax move?

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare is on course to seal a permanent transfer to Ajax with a surprise salary increase also to be included in the contract.

Ajax technical director Jordi Cruijff has confirmed that the contract terms for Tolu Arokodare’s potential permanent move to the Dutch club have already been agreed. The Amsterdam giants are only waiting for the greenlight to activate their purchase option for the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward.

Arokodare joined Ajax from Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan in the summer of 2026 after a difficult spell in England.

He has made a strong start to life in the Netherlands, scoring ten goals and adding three assists in 15 matches across all competitions. That tally includes six goals and an assist in his first 10 Eredivisie appearances, including the winner in the historic 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar on the last day of October.

Ajax now face a major decision over whether to commit close to €20 million to keep the Super Eagles forward, one of the club’s most valuable players, beyond the current season.

Cruijff reveals Arokodare’s salary agreement

Speaking on the Dutch television programme Rondo per FC Update, Cruijff explained that Ajax had already settled the financial terms of a potential permanent transfer, including the striker’s salary.

“Everything is already arranged. The salary too, although he did ask for a raise at the recent press conference,” Cruijff said with a laugh.

The Ajax director then offered a more detailed assessment of Arokodare’s performances, defending the decision to bring him to Amsterdam despite the criticism that followed his departure from Wolves.

“He is doing well. I remember when we signed him, there was a lot of talk about ‘that he came from a relegation team’ and all that constant chatter. But he came in well, good mentality, a team player, and that is important. I hope he keeps it up like this; strikers have ups and downs,” Cruijff added.

Ajax are clearly satisfied with the striker’s attitude and early contribution, although the club must still decide whether to exercise the purchase option.

Arokodare’s move to Ajax has offered him an opportunity to put his disappointing spell in England behind him and re-establish himself as a reliable goalscorer.

The Nigeria international, who nearly joined Galatasaray, struggled to find consistency at Wolves after joining from Genk in 2025. His limited goal return and difficulties settling into life at Molineux eventually led to his departure on loan.

In Amsterdam, however, his performances have given Ajax reason to consider keeping him permanently.

Ajax have already agreed the contractual terms. The next step is deciding whether his performances justify the investment.