Tolu Arokodare: Real reason Galatasaray failed to sign Super Eagles & Ajax star

Tolu Arokodare was high on the transfer wishlist of Galatasaray in the summer with the Turkish champions keen to reunite the striker with international teammate Victor Osimhen.

Galatasaray would eventually abandon their pursuit of Tolu Arokodare after Turkey’s foreign-player registration rules complicated their plans to sign the Nigerian striker.

Arokodare became available after Wolves’ relegation from the Premier League. The Nigerian, who joined the English side following a brilliant spell at Genk, had failed to sparkle in a Wolves side that was destined for the drop.

Why Galatasaray abandoned Tolu Arokodare chase

Turkish champions Galatasaray had considered Arokodare as the attacking backup to first-choice forward Victor Osimhen. But a change in the rules left the club with fewer places available for senior foreign players.

Born in November 2000, Arokodare was too old to qualify for the four designated young foreign-player slots under the Turkish Football Federation’s 10+4 system. The rule allows clubs to register 14 foreign players, but four must have been born on or after January 1, 2003. The remaining 10 places are open to players of any age.

The Turkish federation confirmed on June 30 that the 10+4 system would apply for the 2026-27 season. Galatasaray subsequently abandoned their pursuit, according to reports, giving Ajax the chance to complete a deal.

Galatasaray saw Arokodare as a striker who could succeed Argentine forward Mauro Icardi, whose contract had expired and was set to leave Istanbul.

Victor Osimhen reportedly recommended his compatriot to the club’s hierarchy, with their close relationship said to have influenced Galatasaray’s interest.

Ajax move pays off for Tolu Arokodare

With Galatasaray out of the picture, Ajax completed the signing of Arokodare on loan from Wolves with an option to make the transfer permanent.

The move has proved successful so far, with the former Cologne forward making immediate impact in the Netherlands.

Arokodare scored the only goal in Ajax’s 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar on October 31, taking his tally to 10 goals in 15 appearances across all competitions.

Also in October, the Nigerian striker scored and provided an assist in a 2-0 victory over Atalanta, which ended Ajax’s 24-year wait for a home win against Italian opposition in European competition.

Ajax are reportedly looking to keep Arokodare at the club beyond his loan deal with the Dutch giants opening talks with Wolves on a permanent move.