Ajax Amsterdam forward Chuba Akpom is reportedly open to a move to France’s Ligue 1, as he seeks more consistent first-team football.
Akpom’s career has taken him across multiple countries and leagues, but his time at Ajax has left him considering a change in scenery. The forward, who began his professional journey at Arsenal, where he was part of the youth system and made his senior debut in 2013, struggled to break into the first team.
After several loan spells with English clubs such as Brentford, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Hull City, and Brighton, Akpom sought opportunities abroad in search of more playing time.
In 2018, his move to Greece with PAOK Thessaloniki marked a turning point in his career. He became a key figure for the club, helping them to domestic success, including scoring the winning goal in the 2019 Greek Cup Final.
Akpom’s successful stint at PAOK earned him a return to England with Middlesbrough, where he had a standout 2022–2023 season. He finished as the EFL Championship’s top scorer with 28 goals in 40 appearances, also winning Middlesbrough’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards.
In August 2023, Akpom moved to Ajax on a five-year deal for €12.3 million, potentially rising to €14.3 million with add-ons. His debut came in a goalless draw against Fortuna Sittard, and he scored his first goal for the club in a 2-0 win over Volendam in November 2023.
However, despite the prestige of playing in one of Europe’s top leagues, Akpom has struggled for consistent playing time at Ajax. This has led to speculation that he may be open to a move to a new club, with French side Lille reportedly interested in signing him during the summer of 2023.
According to reports from Foot Mercato via Les Transferts, Akpom is now open to a move to Ligue 1, which, while not as high-profile as the Premier League or La Liga, has become an appealing destination for players looking to rejuvenate their careers. Having never played in France, Akpom could see Ligue 1 as a fresh challenge where he could rediscover his goal-scoring form and secure more regular minutes.
With his wealth of experience in European football and a growing desire for more playing time, Akpom’s potential move to France may represent the next exciting chapter in his unpredictable career.
