Turkish side Samsunspor have submitted an initial formal bid worth €3 million for experienced forward Chuba Akpom, as they hope to lure him from Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
The Englishman with Nigerian descent returned to Ajax in the summer after his loan spell at Lille in France. While he had been tipped to eventually join the latter on a permanent contract, they chose to let him return to Ajax after underwhelming displays. He netted just three goals in 16 appearances across all competitions.
Ajax have sought to offload him in this window, and Samsunspor have become the first team to show formal interest. Exclusively speaking to Footy-Africa, a source at Elite Project Group, who are his representatives, has revealed that the Turkish team made first contact on Thursday and submitted their bid earlier on Friday
“Samsunspor have shown serious interest to sign Chuba Akpom, and they submitted a €3 million bid earlier today to Ajax. While Ajax are set to ask for more, the talks between the two clubs are positive. It’s however, difficult to think that Akpom will accept the move at this point. He still thinks he can make it in the top level leagues, and will need a lot of convincing to accept the Samsunspor project,” the source exclusively told Footy-Africa.
Since leaving Middlesbrough for Ajax in the summer of 2023, the 29-year-old has scored 23 goals with three assists in 68 games. At Middlesbrough, he played 80 games, and scored 33 goals, with five assists. Akpom, whose transfermarkt valuation is estimated at €7 million, has previously played for PAOK in Greece, Sint-Truidense V.V, Hull City, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal, who are his boyhood club.
Meanwhile, internationally, Akpom has featured for England’s youth level teams, but has expressed his desire to represent the Nigerian senior team, the Super Eagles.
