French club Lille OSC have officially announced the signing of Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom from Ajax on a loan deal with an option to buy, running until the end of the season.
Lille manager Bruno Genesio was eager to strengthen his attacking options this winter, especially with Mohamed Bayo on the verge of a loan move to Royal Antwerp and Jonathan David in the final six months of his contract.
The French club fended off interest from Ligue 1 rivals Olympique Marseille and RC Lens, as well as English sides Leicester City and Sunderland, who had also been linked with the Arsenal academy graduate.
Akpom underwent his medical with Les Dogues on Saturday and was in attendance as Lille secured a commanding 4-1 Ligue 1 victory over relegation-threatened AS Saint-Étienne.
Akpom’s spell at Ajax: A performance review
Akpom joined Ajax in August 2023, arriving with a strong reputation built on his instrumental role in Middlesbrough’s successful Championship playoff campaign during the 2022/2023 season.
His impressive tally of 28 goals in the English second tier earned him several accolades, including the PFA Championship Player of the Year, EFL Championship Player of the Season, and the coveted Golden Boot.
During his first season at Ajax, the Nigerian forward made 31 appearances across the Eredivisie and UEFA Europa League, contributing 14 goals and three assists to the team’s efforts.
Before his move to Lille, Akpom had scored eight goals and provided one assist in 32 appearances for the Dutch side.
Akpom, under contract with Ajax until June 2028, has featured in 68 official matches for the club's first team, finding the net 23 times.
Throughout his career, Akpom has also played for clubs including Brentford, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Hull City, Brighton & Hove Albion, PAOK, and Sint-Truiden.
Akpom shares first words as a Lille player
Akpom expressed his excitement about joining Lille, stating, “I am very happy to be here. LOSC is a big club, one of the best in France, which practices beautiful football and achieves great things in Europe and in the league.”
The former Ajax forward has been handed the No. 24 jersey and could make his debut on Tuesday when Les Dogues face Nord rivals Dunkerque in the Coupe de France Round of 16.
