Transfers: Ipswich Town complete permanent deal for Nigeria-eligible forward

Newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town have completed the permanent signing of Nigeria-eligible forward Chuba Akpom, Afrik-Foot reports.

Akpom came through Arsenal’s academy and made his senior debut for the club in 2013. However, he had limited opportunities at the club given the high-level of competition for places, which forced him into several loan spells before he eventually left in 2018 to join Greek side PAOK.

The 30-year-old eventually joined Ipswich Town, who beat competition from the likes of Birmingham City, Middlesbrough and Olympiacos to secure his services on a season-long loan from Ajax last summer.

The Dutch club also included a clause to make the move permanent if Ipswich secured promotion to the Premier League. 

Although there was some uncertainty about his future in the closing weeks of the season, things became clearer when the Tractor Boys sealed an immediate return to the top flight last weekend after they defeated Queens Park Rangers 3-0 to finish second and clinch automatic promotion alongside Coventry City.

Chuba Akpom set for new chapter with Ipswich Town

Ipswich Town’s promotion proved decisive in determining the future of Chuba Akpom, with the clause to make the deal permanent now all ready activated.

The Nigeria-eligible forward played his part in the promotion campaign, making 31 appearances across all competitions, including 29 in the Championship. However, he mostly came off the bench, as he often played second fiddle to first-choice striker George Hirst.

The 30-year-old has now signed a contract that will keep him at the club until 2029, as Ipswich target a long stay in the Premier League after their last top-flight campaign ended in relegation following a 19th-place finish.

“Ipswich Town is pleased to confirm Chuba Akpom will join the Blues on a permanent deal”, the club announced on its official website.

“The forward, 30, moved to Portman Road on loan from Ajax in the summer of 2025, with a permanent move subsequently triggered during the course of the 2025/26 season.

“Chuba made a total of 31 appearances throughout the course of the campaign, with goals against Hull City and Oxford United coming in vital victories to help Town secure promotion to the Premier League.

“The permanent deal for Chuba, which runs until 2029, will come into effect from 1 July.”

Akpom now has another opportunity to prove himself in the Premier League after an previous spell earlier in his career at Arsenal, where he struggled to establish himself before moving on to another club.