Sky Sports: Ipswich Town ‘Agree Deal’ to Sign Striker | OneFootball

Ipswich Town Close in on Chuba Akpom in Ambitious Move

Ipswich Town’s intent to return to the Premier League continues to shine through, with a deal in principle now agreed for Ajax striker Chuba Akpom, as reported by Sky Sports News. The structure of the move is both strategic and ambitious. Ipswich will take Akpom on loan, but the agreement includes an obligation to buy for £7 million if they secure promotion this season.

With a medical expected in the next 24 hours, the race for Akpom’s signature appears to be heading towards a conclusion. Birmingham City are also in contention, having reached an agreement of their own with Ajax. However, as Sky Sports revealed, “The Dutch club have left it down to the player to decide where he wants to go.”

Akpom’s Pedigree and Ajax Stint

Chuba Akpom arrives with a proven pedigree. The 28-year-old netted 29 goals in all competitions for Middlesbrough last season, earning the Championship’s Golden Boot and a move to Ajax. However, he has struggled to settle in Amsterdam, often used out of position and playing fewer minutes than expected.

Despite his limited role in the Eredivisie, Akpom’s qualities remain undeniable. His movement, physicality and instinctive finishing would bolster any Championship side. Ipswich’s offer includes taking on a significant portion of his wages during the loan spell, reflecting their belief in his value.

Strategic Timing for Kieran McKenna’s Side

Timing is everything in football, and with Ipswich facing Birmingham live on Sky Sports this Friday, this transfer tug-of-war carries extra intrigue. Birmingham are well aware of Akpom’s ability, and seeing him potentially line up against them later in the season will sting if Ipswich win the race.

Kieran McKenna has earned plaudits for turning Ipswich into one of the Championship’s most exciting teams. Adding a proven scorer like Akpom could be the missing piece in their promotion puzzle. The structure of the deal, hinging on promotion, reflects smart financial planning from the Suffolk club.

Player’s Decision Remains Key

While both clubs have agreements in place, the decision now rests with Akpom. Will he choose a return to the Championship with a club pushing hard for automatic promotion, or opt for a project with Birmingham? Given the ambition shown by Ipswich, few would be surprised if Portman Road becomes his next destination.

“It’s understood Ipswich’s deal will see them pay a significant portion of Akpom’s wages for the loan spell,” reported Sky Sports, underlining the club’s determination to land their man.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From the perspective of an Ipswich Town fan, this news is utterly thrilling. The club’s ambition has been clear under Mark Ashton and Kieran McKenna, but this potential signing shows we are no longer just looking to compete — we are planning for promotion.

Chuba Akpom is a goal machine. Any Championship fan who watched Middlesbrough last season knows what he brings. His ability to find space, bully defenders and finish with both feet makes him a nightmare for opposing backlines. The fact that we are even in for someone of his calibre says everything about how far we’ve come.

Ajax may not have worked out for him, but everyone knows that playing time and position matter. At Ipswich, he’ll be central, literally and figuratively. McKenna’s system thrives on intelligent movement and quick link-up play — perfect for someone like Akpom.

What makes this even better is that we’re being smart with the money. Only paying the full fee if we go up? That’s top-tier recruitment. Whether he scores 10 or 20 goals, his presence will elevate the team.

If he signs before Friday and somehow features against Birmingham? That would be the icing on the cake.