Chuba Akpom reveals why he joined ‘perfect’ Ipswich Town from Ajax after Birmingham City snub

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Ipswich Town have confirmed the signing of Chuba Akpom on a season-long loan deal with an obligation to buy if promoted.

Ipswich Town travelled to Birmingham City on Friday evening in a 1-1 draw for the 2025/26 Championship curtain-raiser.

Jay Stansfield’s opener for Birmingham was ruled out after a controversial penalty awarded to Ipswich was dispatched by George Hirst.

Prior to the game, both clubs had been locked in a fierce transfer battle for the services of Ajax forward Chuba Akpom.

Now, Ipswich have won the race for Akpom, and the former Middlesbrough star has revealed why he made the move to Kieran McKenna’s side.

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Chuba Akpom signs for Ipswich Town on loan from Ajax

After Birmingham held Ipswich to the controversial draw, Tractor Boys boss McKenna admitted that Ipswich have “a lot of work to do” in the transfer market to consolidate their automatic promotion prospects.

Amid Akpom’s arrival, top flight suitors are circling over Portman Road, with Nottingham Forest set to bid for Leif Davis, and Sassuolo in talks for Arijanet Muric.

Following lofty interest from the Blues and his former stomping ground, Middlesbrough, Akpom has explained why he joined Ipswich on a season-long loan from the Dutch giants, which will become a £7m permanent move in the event of promotion.

Akpom told Ipswich’s website: “I was really excited when I heard of the interest and I’m delighted to have joined a club with such big ambitions.

“I watch a lot of football and have always thought Ipswich would suit my style, so this move makes perfect sense.

“I have had lots of good experiences over the last few years, at Ajax and playing in the Champions League with Lille, and I feel like all of these have improved me as a player and helped me be the person I am now. 

“I’m here to do as much as I can do to help the team, in the changing room and on the pitch, and I’ll bring a winning mentality here.”

• READ MORE: Ipswich Town’s George Hirst reveals what Birmingham City player said to him after late penalty equaliser

Chuba Akpom is the perfect signing for Ipswich Town

After Chelsea signed Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30m this summer, the onus was placed on McKenna and the Tractor Boys’ recruitment team to replace his goalscoring output.

Akpom’s experience, his versatility as a leading striker or number ten, and proven goal record at Championship level are all significant positives regarding his transfer.

The former Arsenal prospect could make his league debut for Ipswich at Portman Road when Southampton visit on Sunday afternoon.

Ipswich fans should be excited by his arrival, and Akpom will have added incentive to inspire Ipswich’s promotion, given the obligation to buy in the deal.