Super Eagles: Why Ajax should consider permanent move for Arokodare — 2 reasons

Ajax Amsterdam have been advised to consider making Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare’s loan move permanent at the end of the season by former player Kenneth Perez.

Arokodare joined Ajax on a season-long loan deal in the summer after a difficult spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers, hoping to rediscover his form and revive his career following a disappointing stint in the Premier League.

The Super Eagles striker joined Wolves from Genk, where he impressed and won the Golden Shoe. However, he struggled to make any impact at Molineux and eventually dropped down the club’s pecking order.

However, since joining Ajax, Arokodare has begun to regain his form. He has already scored seven goals and provided two assists across all competitions this season, giving the Dutch giants reasons to consider keeping him beyond the current campaign.

His performances have also sparked discussions about a permanent move, with Perez, who played for Ajax between 2006 and 2007 before returning for another spell in 2008, believing the club should seriously consider signing the Super Eagles striker.

The former Denmark international also highlighted two key reasons why Ajax should look to secure Arokodare’s services permanently.

Arokodare’s physical presence and attacking qualities make him a valuable option

There were initial doubts about whether Arokodare would be the right fit for Ajax following his struggles at Wolves last season.

However, the Super Eagles forward has quickly begun to change that perception with his performances. His impressive form, alongside the injury to Kasper Dolberg, has also given him a bigger role in the squad.

Perez believes Arokodare’s physical presence makes him an imposing figure in attack, especially with his ability to win aerial duels and bring his teammates into play.

According to the former Ajax forward, having a striker with Arokodare’s qualities can make life easier for the players operating behind him, as they can take advantage of the space and opportunities he creates.

“If you have such a target player… do you know how nice it must be to play ‘under’ him? You don’t have to do anything except walk deep when that ball goes to him”, Perez explained to ESPN, via Ajax1.nl.

“You can get so many free chances, because 9 out of 10 times he wins his duels and he can pass him on or head him. Klaassen did, but he didn’t play. But Gloukh only gets into the ball, Tsygankov too.”

His performances could give Ajax a reason to invest €20 million 

Another reason Ajax could consider signing Arokodare permanently is the value he could offer for the transfer fee. The Dutch club would need to pay around €20 million to secure the Nigerian’s services permanently at the end of the season through the purchase option included in his loan agreement.

Although there are certain challenges regarding the transfer fee, Perez believes Ajax should push for the transfer, especially when compared with the amounts spent on other players.

The former Ajax winger questioned why the club would be willing to spend heavily on players who have yet to deliver the same impact, while hesitating over a striker who has already demonstrated his attacking qualities.

“They paid at least eleven, twelve million for Gloukh last year. How do you get it that it’s a good idea to get him for so much money and Leonardo for twenty million? How do you make that up? That Tolu is hired, but I would get a lot more players like that. Then you have a chance that the Premier League still wants them”, Perez added.

What next for Super Eagles star?

While Arokodare could extend his stay at Ajax if the club decides to activate the purchase option in his loan agreement, he could also return to Wolves at the end of the season.

For now, his priority will be to maintain his form and continue to make the most of his opportunities during his time at the club, which would strengthen his case for a permanent move to Ajax while potentially attracting interest from other clubs if the Dutch side decides against signing him.

The Super Eagles forward will have another opportunity to add to his tally when Ajax face Hajduk Split in their Conference League opener today.