Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom has revealed that he may have to leave Ajax this summer if he is not assured of more playing time at the club next season, Soccernet.ng reports.
Akpom has struggled to make an impact since he joined Ajax from English Championship club Middlebrough for €12.3 million in 2023. The 28-year-old attacker arrived with high expectations after his heroics for Middlebrough in the previous campaign when he registered 29 goals in 40 appearances.
However, he has not lived up to the billing. Just like Ajax, Akpom struggled last season. The Godenzonen hired two coaches last season due to their poor form. Under Maurice Steijn, Akpom struggled to get game time, but his situation improved after Van’t Schip. Despite his struggles, Akpom still churned out 15 goals and three assists in 36 appearances for Ajax.
Meanwhile, going into next season, Akpom is still unsure about his chances of regular football. Ajax just employed Francesco Farioli as coach, and he would surely make some changes to the team which could affect Akpom adversely. But the Nigerian has made his stand known. He has stated that if he does not get assurance of playing time, he would have to leave Ajax.
“I want to be part of a team that needs me. I don’t think I can sit on the bench as a second striker for another year,” Akpom told Teeside Live.
“If I get more involved in the games this year, then I’ll be happy to stay here. If that’s not the case, then maybe it’s time to look elsewhere. We’ll see.
“I tried to be important in the minutes I got. That’s the only thing I could do, stay professional and make the best of it. I’m happy with that. I would very much like to continue working under this new coach.”
Akpom has already been linked with clubs outside Netherland. If he does not get enough playing time, he may have to take one of the available options.
