Sunderland plot ambitious move for Ajax striker Chuba Akpom

Championship high-flyers Sunderland are in the market for a new striker before the end of the transfer window. According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, the Black Cats have set their sights on former Arsenal, Middlesbrough, Hull and Brighton striker Chuba Akpom. The club, currently 4th in the Championship table, are already pushing to sign the 29-year-old.

Akpom kick started his career at Arsenal back in 2013, where he made four first team appearances before going on loan to the likes of Brentford, Coventry, Nottingham Forest, Hull and Brighton. The striker spent two years at Greek side PAOK before joining Middlesbrough in 2020 for arguably the most successful spell in his career so far. Akpom scored 28 goals in 38 Championship appearances for Middlesbrough during the 2022/23 campaign, making him the league’s top scorer.

Chuba Akpom’s €12m move to Ajax in 2023 raised some eyebrows, and arguably hasn’t gone as successfully as hoped. The former England youth international has featured 66 times across his first two seasons, netting 23 goals and providing four assists. This year, under new head coach Francesco Farioli, he’s made most of his appearances as a substitute.

Sunderland are showing concrete interest in the forward and are expected to launch an official bid before the transfer deadline on February 3. Ligue 1 sides Lille and Lens have also registered their interest in the striker this month. A proven goal scorer in the Championship, Chuba Akpom’s certainly still got what it takes to help Sunderland achieve their goal of promotion back to the Premier League.

GBeNeFN | Jonas Fielding