Chuba Akpom reflects on his challenging time at Ajax, citing instability and criticism, as Ipswich Town secure promotion and trigger his permanent transfer after a mixed loan spell in England.
Nigerian striker Chuba Akpom has spoken honestly about his tough spell at Ajax, describing it as one of the most challenging periods of his professional football career. The Ipswich Town forward admitted that constant changes within the Dutch club played a major role in affecting his confidence and overall performance.
Akpom joined Ajax in the summer of 2023 from Middlesbrough after finishing as the Championship Golden Boot winner. However, despite arriving with strong expectations, he struggled to settle in a team that was going through major structural changes both on and off the pitch.
During his time in Amsterdam, Akpom still managed respectable numbers. He made 68 appearances in all competitions, scoring 23 goals and providing four assists. In the Eredivisie, he scored 14 goals, while also adding four goals in the UEFA Europa League and another four during qualifying matches.
His best form came in the 2023–24 season when he netted 11 league goals in 25 appearances, often coming off the bench. However, Ajax’s poor form and instability meant his efforts were overshadowed by wider club struggles.
Reflecting on his experience, Akpom highlighted the constant changes at the club as a key issue. “There were many new players, a new coach and a new technical director,” he explained. “With so many changes, it’s difficult to succeed immediately. I would have preferred to arrive in a stable situation.”
One of the key figures during that period was former technical director Sven Mislintat, under whom Ajax signed 12 players. The recruitment strategy faced heavy criticism during a difficult 2023–24 campaign, which also affected the players brought in.
Akpom admitted that the criticism had a psychological impact on the squad. “Many people criticized him,” he said. “The players signed by Mislintat almost felt guilty for having long and expensive contracts. That undermined our confidence, and we were viewed with suspicion.”
His time at Ajax effectively came to an end in August 2025 when he joined Ipswich Town on loan. The deal included a mandatory purchase clause worth around £7 million (€9.3m), which would be activated if Ipswich achieved Premier League promotion.
That condition was eventually met as Kieran McKenna’s side finished second in the Championship to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League. As a result, Ajax are set to receive the agreed transfer fee, while Akpom expressed happiness for his former club despite his difficult experience there.
“I’m very happy about it,” he said. “Ajax is a fantastic club. I wish them all the best.”
On the pitch at Ipswich, Akpom’s contribution was limited but still valuable in moments. He scored two goals in 31 appearances across all competitions, with strikes against Hull City and Oxford United. As the season progressed, his playing time reduced, with George Hirst becoming the preferred striker option.
Despite limited minutes, manager Kieran McKenna appreciated Akpom’s movement, pressing, and work rate, which helped support the squad’s overall structure during a successful promotion campaign.
Following Ipswich’s achievement, Akpom has now signed a permanent contract with the club that runs until June 2029, marking the next chapter of his career in English football after a mixed but eventful spell in Europe.
Chuba Akpom’s journey from Ajax struggles to Ipswich Town’s Premier League promotion highlights the unpredictable nature of football. While his time in the Netherlands was marked by instability, he now looks forward to a long-term future in England with renewed focus and stability.
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