Arokodare joins Ajax: 2 reasons why the move makes sense for Super Eagles forward

Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare has taken the next step in his career after completing a move to Dutch giants Ajax from English club Wolves, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 25-year-old officially sealed a season-long loan move to the Eredivisie club on Monday, bringing an end to weeks of speculation surrounding his future.

Arokodare joined Wolves last summer following an outstanding campaign with Belgian side Genk, where he finished as the league’s top scorer and won the Golden Boot. However, his move to England did not go as planned, as he struggled to establish himself during the season.

Reports about a split with Wolves intensified last week after claims emerged that he was involved in a training-ground incident, which he has later denied and he has now secured a move away from the club.

Ajax have agreed a loan deal for the Super Eagles striker, with the agreement including an option to make the transfer permanent next summer for around €22 million.

While the move brings an end to the uncertainty surrounding his future, it also presents an opportunity for Arokodare to get his career back on track and there are two reasons why the transfer could be the right move for him.

Ajax move offers Arokodare a fresh start to rediscover his best form

Arokodare arrived at Wolves with high expectations after an exceptional spell at Genk. Besides finishing as the Belgian Pro League’s top scorer, he also won the Ebony Shoe Award, which is usually given to the best African player in the league.

However, adapting to the Premier League proved difficult. Although he showed flashes of his quality, he was unable to consistently reproduce the form that made him one of Belgium’s most feared strikers.

The 25-year-old managed just three goals in 33 Premier League appearances and spent much of the second half of the campaign behind Adam Armstrong in the pecking order.

A move to Ajax gives him the fresh start he desperately needs. The Dutch league is often more suited to attacking players, and his physical presence and finishing ability could make him an ideal fit for Ajax’s style of play.

🔴⚪️💥 More on Tolu Arokodare to Ajax exclusive story:

Loan with salary fully covered by Ajax, €22m buy option clause not mandatory. Loan fee also included.

Wolves to receive bonuses based on Ajax qualification for European competitions.

Here we go. 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/gUlEhUpO3c

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2026

Unlike at Wolves, he will also have the opportunity to compete for major honours. Ajax are expected to challenge for both the Eredivisie title and the KNVB Cup as they continue their rebuild, and Arokodare could play a key role in that push.

A chance to force his way back into the Super Eagles

Arokodare made his Super Eagles debut in March 2025 before scoring his first international goal just a few months later.

He has since made 10 appearances and scored twice, but his last outing for Nigeria came in the CAF playoff final against DR Congo last November, which ended the country’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Since then, he has not been called up, missing Nigeria’s bronze-winning campaign at the 2025 AFCON, the friendly matches in March and June, as well as the Unity Cup in May.

Part of the reason has been the fierce competition for places in Nigeria’s attack, where only players in top form are likely to earn selection.

A move to Ajax gives Arokodare the perfect platform to rediscover his goalscoring touch. If he settles quickly and starts finding the back of the net regularly, he could put himself firmly back in Eric Chelle’s plans ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, which will begin in September.

Arokodare could be unveiled to the Ajax supporters on Thursday ahead of their UEFA Conference League qualifying second-leg clash against Vojvodina. 

The Nigerian will be hoping to make an immediate impact at the club and rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.