Ajax furious as Chuba Akpom drags Ipswich and Birmingham into transfer war

Ajax are growing increasingly frustrated over the ongoing transfer saga involving striker Chuba Akpom, as Championship sides Ipswich Town and Birmingham City tussle for his signature, Footynaija.com reports.

Dutch giants Ajax’s clear preference is to sell the 29-year-old outright. Birmingham are now ready to get Akpom on a permanent deal after initially submitting a loan offer.

However, Ipswich appear to have edged ahead in the race, having completed a medical for Akpom and reached advanced terms on a loan deal with an obligation to buy — a clause that becomes active if Ipswich secure promotion to the Premier League.

Chubo Akpom saga still not done.

Ajax forward has passed an Ipswich medical and wants the move.

Ipswich offer is a loan with obligation contingent on Premier League promotion.

Yet last night, Birmingham changed their offer and told Ajax they will buy now.

Akpom wants Ipswich,… pic.twitter.com/jE6d2clyvs

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 5, 2025

The Amsterdam club, keen to offload Akpom’s hefty €5m annual wage, had welcomed Birmingham’s offer for a permanent transfer.

However, Akpom has his heart set on a move to Portman Road, prioritising consistent game time and a structured path back to the Premier League over an immediate sale.

Ajax have made no secret of their desire to offload the forward quickly, even going as far as banning him from first-team facilities during pre-season. Their growing impatience stems from how the deal has dragged on, especially after Birmingham reignited negotiations late with a firmer offer, as per ED.

“Birmingham City have withdrawn from that battle”

It seems that Ipswich Town have won the race to sign Ajax forward Chuba Akpom ⏳ pic.twitter.com/ECpTmZZzEA

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 6, 2025

To add more intrigue, Ipswich and Birmingham are set to face off in their Championship opener this Friday. It remains unclear whether Akpom will feature in that clash or which club’s shirt he will be wearing.

While interest in Akpom had been lukewarm earlier this summer, a flurry of late attention has seen Olympiakos and Middlesbrough join the mix. Nevertheless, Ipswich are now firmly in pole position to land the striker.

Chuba Akpom has already passed his medical at Ipswich Town.