Sunderland are reportedly in the race to sign Ajax striker Chuba Akpom during the January transfer window.
The Black Cats face competition from French Ligue 1 sides RC Lens and Lille, who are also keen on securing the 29-year-old forward.
Akpom’s Journey So Far
Akpom has had an extensive and varied career, beginning at Arsenal where he rose through the academy and made his senior debut in 2013. He later experienced loan spells at clubs like Hull City, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Brentford, before moving to Greece to join PAOK Salonika in 2018. At PAOK, Akpom found success, including winning the Greek Super League and scoring the decisive goal in the 2019 Greek Cup final.
In 2020, Akpom returned to England, joining Middlesbrough. Under Michael Carrick, he enjoyed a prolific 2022-23 season, scoring 28 goals in 40 league appearances and earning the EFL Championship’s Golden Boot. His outstanding form prompted Ajax to sign him for €12.3m in the summer of 2023, but his time in the Netherlands has been less fruitful, with eight goals and one assist in 31 appearances.
Sunderland’s Interest
Sunderland’s pursuit of Akpom has drawn attention in both England and the Netherlands. According to reports from Dutch media outlet Algemeen Dagblad, Ajax are open to offloading Akpom, whom they deem surplus to requirements. However, the same report suggests Akpom has “no interest” in joining Sunderland this January.
The Black Cats, currently in the Championship, are eager to add firepower to their squad as they push for promotion. Akpom’s Championship experience with Middlesbrough and Hull City makes him a valuable target, but his reluctance to move could pose a significant hurdle.
Competing Offers
While Sunderland hope to bring Akpom back to English football, French clubs RC Lens and Lille also remain in the frame. Both teams could offer the forward a chance to stay in a top-tier European league, potentially making their proposals more appealing than a return to the Championship.
Writer’s View
Chuba Akpom’s proven track record in the Championship and his strong performance under Michael Carrick make him an attractive option for Sunderland. However, the forward’s apparent lack of interest in the move highlights the challenges of securing high-calibre players outside the Premier League. Sunderland may need to explore alternative targets if Akpom opts for a different path or stays at Ajax.
