Chuba Akpom is set to return to Ajax Amsterdam at the end of the season after Lille opted not to activate the €12.5 million purchase clause in his loan agreement.
The 29-year-old Nigerian forward, who joined Lille in January 2025, departs after a brief five-month spell in Ligue 1. During his time in France, Akpom featured in 14 league matches, scoring three goals, including a well-taken penalty in the club’s recent 2-1 win over Stade de Reims.
Despite showing glimpses of his goal-scoring prowess and work ethic, Lille’s management concluded that the striker did not do enough to justify a long-term investment. His return to Ajax, where he remains under contract until 2028, had been anticipated for weeks.
Akpom joined Ajax in the summer of 2023 following a prolific season with Middlesbrough in the English Championship, where he emerged as one of the division's standout forwards. However, limited first-team opportunities in Amsterdam prompted a mid-season switch to Lille to bolster their attacking depth.
While he contributed in critical moments, particularly during Lille’s chase for European qualification, the French club confirmed his departure as part of a broader announcement regarding squad changes ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
Akpom’s professional journey began at Arsenal, and he has since gained experience across several leagues, including stints with PAOK in Greece and previous spells in the Netherlands.
His return to Ajax provides an opportunity to re-establish himself at one of Europe’s top clubs, although a summer transfer elsewhere remains possible depending on interest and opportunities in the upcoming window.