Ipswich Town are on the brink of securing the signature of Ajax striker Chuba Akpom, after Birmingham City officially withdrew from the race for the Nigerian forward.
According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Akpom communicated his preference to both Ajax and Birmingham City, making it clear he wanted a move to Portman Road. That decision led Birmingham to step away from negotiations, allowing Ipswich to move ahead with the deal.
The Championship side had previously reached an agreement with Ajax on a loan deal that includes a £7 million obligation to buy if Ipswich are promoted to the Premier League. Akpom has already completed his medical, and only the final paperwork remains before the transfer is officially announced.
Birmingham had tried to tempt Ajax with a permanent £6 million offer, a deal the Dutch club initially preferred due to the guaranteed transfer fee. However, Akpom’s desire to join Ipswich proved to be the deciding factor.
The 29-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at French Ligue 1 side Lille, where he scored three goals in 16 appearances. He joined Ajax in 2023 following a standout campaign at Middlesbrough, where he was among the Championship’s top scorers.
After weeks of speculation and a two-way transfer battle, Ipswich are now set to add Akpom to their squad just in time for their season opener against Birmingham City on Friday night.
