Chuba Akpom Transfer Saga: Ipswich Town Wins Battle Over Birmingham City

Chuba Akpom has been at the center of a heated transfer battle between several English Championship clubs

Read about the dramatic Chuba Akpom transfer saga as Ipswich Town hijacks the deal from Birmingham City, with Ajax preferring a permanent transfer.

A bizarre tug of war has erupted over Ajax striker Chuba Akpom, with three English teams vying for his signature. The situation has caused chaos in Amsterdam, with the player's future hanging in the balance.

After being banished from first-team activities by Ajax technical director Alex Kroes in an attempt to force him out, Akpom's prospects seemed uncertain. Despite English reports suggesting Saudi side Al Ettifaq as a potential suitor in July, no bid materialized, leaving Akpom's future unclear.

🚨 The Chuba Akpom transfer saga:

🔸 Deal agreed with Birmingham and medical booked
🔸 Ipswich swooped in
🔸 Medical with Birmingham cancelled
🔸 Ipswich medical booked in
🔸 Birmingham back in with a better deal
🔸 Player wants Ipswich
🔸 Ajax wants the Birmingham deal
🔸 Akpom… pic.twitter.com/2IlrEeqHau

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 5, 2025

According to Voetbal International, Ajax and Birmingham City reached an agreement on Sunday, August 3rd, for Chuba Akpom's loan transfer. The deal included a mandatory option to buy if Birmingham City earns promotion to the Premier League.

As part of the arrangement, Birmingham City would cover half of Akpom's salary, which had increased to €5 million due to Ajax's qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

Hijacking Attempt Foiled

As Chuba Akpom was set to join Birmingham City, Middlesbrough attempted to hijack the deal on Monday. However, Ajax rejected Boro's approach, sticking with their agreement with Birmingham City.

Ipswich Town swooped in and hijacked the deal for Chuba Akpom, offering better financial conditions than Birmingham City's proposal. As a result, Akpom and Ajax canceled the planned medical examination in Birmingham, paving the way for a potential move to Ipswich Town.

Akpom's Shift to Ipswich

Ipswich Town successfully secured Chuba Akpom's signature after he completed his medical exam with the club. Meanwhile, Birmingham City attempted to switch the deal from a loan to a permanent transfer, but Akpom had already set his sights on joining Ipswich.

Birmingham City remains hopeful that Chuba Akpom will reconsider joining Ipswich Town and instead sign a long-term deal with the Blues.

Ajax is keen on a permanent transfer for Akpom due to the player's significant wage burden on the club's finances. A permanent sale would be more appealing to Ajax than the loan deal agreed upon with Ipswich.

Chuba Akpom transferred to Ajax from Middlesbrough in 2023, with the Dutch side paying €12 million for the striker. During his time with Ajax, Akpom scored 23 goals in 68 appearances.

In the second half of the 2024/25 season, Akpom was loaned out to Lille, gaining more experience and playing time before his eventual move to Ipswich Town.

Chuba Akpom 🥶#UEL pic.twitter.com/GOqDzE4B1j

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) August 5, 2025

Transfer Saga Timeline Key Details

Initial Deal with Lille: Akpom was loaned to Lille from Ajax Amsterdam in February 2025, with an option to buy for 12.5 million euros. He made 14 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist.

Birmingham City Interest: Recently, Birmingham City agreed to terms with Ajax for Akpom's loan transfer, with a potential permanent move worth £7 million if the club earns promotion to the Premier League.

Ipswich Town Deal: However, Ipswich Town reportedly hijacked the deal, and Akpom is now set to join the Tractor Boys on a loan deal with an obligation to buy if Ipswich secures top-flight status. The potential permanent acquisition represents ambition for Ipswich, banking on a striker with both Championship and European experience.

Clubs Involved

• Ipswich Town: Seemingly winning the battle for Akpom's signature, with the striker expected to undergo medical tests and join the team.
• Birmingham City: Initially agreed to terms with Ajax, but ultimately lost out to Ipswich Town.
• Middlesbrough: Also showed interest in re-signing Akpom, who previously played for the club and scored 28 goals in the 2022-2023 Championship season.