Super Eagles: 2 obstacles between Arokodare and €20m Ajax move

Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare has enjoyed a superb start to life at Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam since joining the team during the summer transfer window.

Arokodare joined the Eredivisie giants from English side Wolves on a season-long loan deal that includes an option to make the move permanent for around €20 million.

The Nigerian striker endured a difficult spell at Wolves, where he struggled to reproduce the form he showed at Belgian club Genk. Wolves also suffered relegation, while there were also reports that his relationship with the club’s coach had deteriorated.

However, the 25-year-old has made an impressive start to life in the Netherlands. He has scored seven goals and provided two assists in 10 appearances across all competitions, including another goal in Ajax’s 1-1 draw with NEC on Saturday night.

Although there were initial concerns about how he would fit into the Ajax team, his early performances suggest that he is already becoming an important player for the Dutch side and his form has also raised hopes that the club could make his loan move permanent.

However, a permanent transfer may not be as straightforward as it appears, with two major obstacles potentially standing in the way of the deal.

2 factors that could block Tolu Arokodare’s permanent Ajax move

1. Kasper Dolberg’s situation

Ajax’s decision to sign Arokodare permanently could depend partly on the situation surrounding Kasper Dolberg, who competes with the Super Eagles star for a starting place as the team’s centre-forward.

The Danish striker suffered an injury last month that is expected to keep him out for several months. While his absence could give Arokodare more opportunities to establish himself in the team, it could also create a financial and sporting problem for Ajax.

Dolberg’s injury could make it difficult for the club to move him on if they consider selling him. If Ajax are unable to generate funds from a potential transfer or free up space in their squad, completing a permanent deal for Arokodare could become more complicated.

This could leave the Dutch club facing a difficult decision when the summer transfer window arrives, especially if they still have Dolberg on their books.

According to Het Parool, via Voetbalzone, Dolberg’s injury represents more than a personal setback, with the situation also having sporting and financial implications for Ajax.

“The Dane’s injury is not only a personal drama for him, but also a sporting and financial blow for Ajax”, the report stated.

Although the Super Eagles forward’s performances could strengthen his case for a permanent move, Ajax will also have to consider how Dolberg’s situation affects their plans for the forward position.

2. The €20 million price tag could prove expensive

Another potential obstacle is the cost of making Arokodare’s move permanent. Ajax have the option to sign the Super Eagles striker for around €20 million, but the club will have to decide whether the investment fits their financial plans and transfer budget.

His impressive start to life in Amsterdam could make a permanent deal attractive, especially if he continues to contribute goals and assists throughout the season. 

Ajax will need to weigh the cost of signing the Super Eagles striker against their other transfer priorities, including the possibility of making changes to their attacking options ahead of next season.

The situation could become even more complicated if Dolberg’s injury limits the club’s ability to sell him and raise funds. Ajax may therefore have to explore other ways of financing the deal or decide whether committing around €20 million to Arokodare is the right move.

“Is Ajax financially able to clear the purchase option of approximately 20 million euros for Arokodare?”

Where does this leave the Super Eagles star?

For Arokodare, the immediate priority will be to maintain his impressive form and continue proving his worth to Ajax. If he continues to deliver consistently, he could make a strong case for the club to exercise its purchase option.

However, Ajax must also consider Dolberg’s situation and whether they can comfortably afford the €20 million fee required to complete the transfer.

The Super Eagles forward will hope his performances make the decision easier for the club, but his future could ultimately depend on both his form and Ajax’s financial position ahead of next summer’s transfer window.

Arokodare, who will be hoping to improve his efficiency, will have another chance to add to his goal tally when Ajax face Hajduk Split in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday.