Tolu Arokodare: 2 reasons Ajax could send Super Eagles striker back to Wolves

Tolu Arokodare could return to Wolverhampton Wanderers next summer, despite his brilliance in the Netherlands and the Conference League.

Arokodare joined Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam on a season-long loan in July after struggling to make an impact at Wolves. He has since scored nine goals in 14 appearances across all competitions, winning over Ajax supporters with his performances.

However, Ajax watcher Johan Inan is doubtful that the club will exercise their option to buy the 25-year-old.

Speaking on the AD Football podcast, Inan pointed to Ajax’s financial position as a major concern, particularly if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Obstacles to Ajax signing Tolu Arokodare permanently

1. Failure to qualify for the Champions League

Ajax’s chances of reaching the Champions League could determine whether Arokodare stays in Amsterdam beyond this season.

Only two Eredivisie teams qualify for the UEFA Champions League, with the title winners entering the league phase directly while the runners-up must navigate a qualifying series.

Ajax currently sit in second place on 16 points, five behind leaders Feyenoord and just one ahead of defending champions PSV.

Inan believes qualifying for the Champions League would bring Ajax the money needed to fund the Arokodare transfer. Without that revenue, Ajax could struggle to afford the Super Eagles striker since the club would also need money to strengthen other areas of the squad.

“Ajax has an option of twenty million, but that is going to be a very difficult story,” Inan said via Voetbalprimeur.

“Especially if Ajax doesn’t reach the Champions League. If you do reach the Champions League, then you know you’ll rake in tens of millions. Then you might be able to exercise those kinds of options. But then you have to stretch yourself very far. That will again come at the expense of the rest of the transfer budget, so I wonder if it will work out.”

Inan warned that signing Arokodare permanently would be difficult if Ajax miss out on the Champions League, as the transfer could take up a large part of their budget.

2. Wolves’ asking price

Ajax’s other problem is the fee required to sign Tolu Arokodare, who is already the club’s most valuable player. The purchase option is reportedly worth more than €20 million, a considerable sum for a club facing financial constraints.

Wolves signed the striker from Genk for around £24 million in September 2025, but he scored just three Premier League goals during his first season in England.

His return to form in the Netherlands has boosted his chances of securing a permanent move, but Ajax must decide whether they can afford the deal.

Arokodare has made no secret of his desire to stay, saying he is happy in Amsterdam and hopes to continue his career with the Dutch giants.

However, his wishes may not be enough. If Wolves refuse to lower their demands, Ajax may find it difficult to cough up the funds. In such a situation, Arokodare could return to Wolves next summer despite his goalscoring form.