When Chuba Akpom chose to stay at Ajax, despite entertaining offers from other clubs, the decision carried a fair share of uncertainty.
The Arsenal academy product, who is waiting on a call from Nigeria's Super Eagles, joined Ajax in August of the previous year, arriving with a strong reputation built on his crucial contributions to Middlesbrough's Championship playoff campaign during the 2022/2023 season.
Akpom's remarkable achievement of 28 goals in the English second tier earned him several prestigious accolades, including the PFA Championship Player of the Year, EFL Championship Player of the Season, and the Golden Boot.
After a solid season with the Dutch giants, during which he made 31 appearances across the Eredivisie and UEFA Europa League for Ajax, contributing 14 goals and three assists, he was deemed surplus to the club's requirements.
Despite rumours linking him with an exit, a move ultimately did not materialise.
Akpom’s choice to stay at Ajax was undoubtedly a risky one, given the club’s struggles last season and the lure of potential moves elsewhere.
However, with the arrival of coach Francesco Farioli and a noticeable shift in the team’s fortunes, his decision is beginning to look more like a calculated gamble that’s paying off.
As Ajax climbs back to prominence, Akpom’s contributions have been vital, with his performances reflecting both personal growth and the collective resurgence of the team.
Akpom's role in Ajax’s resurgence
Reflecting on his decision, Akpom in an interview with Het Parool admitted, “I was open to a good offer, but at the same time I didn’t necessarily want to leave. And now I’m glad I stayed. It feels like Ajax is coming back a bit.”
Last season, Ajax struggled to find consistency, finishing outside the top two in the Eredivisie for the first time in over a decade. Akpom’s contributions, though solid, were not enough to lift a team plagued by managerial instability and underwhelming performances.
He concluded the campaign with a commendable 17 goal involvements, but the team's overall stagnation overshadowed his individual achievements.
This season, however, Ajax appears reinvigorated under Farioli. Known for his aggressive, high-tempo philosophy, the Italian manager has brought a winning mentality that resonates with players like Akpom.
“Farioli wants to win in all competitions he participates in. He’s a winner. I can see that in his eyes,” Akpom said, offering insight into the mindset driving the team forward.
With six goals and one assist in 19 games so far, Akpom is flourishing in a more cohesive system, solidifying his position as a key attacking threat.
His contributions have been instrumental in Ajax's rise to third in the Eredivisie and their strong Europa League campaign, where they currently sit second in their group, just two points behind leaders Lazio.
For both the player and the club, the trajectory seems to be heading in the right direction.
