Super Eagles hopeful Akpom involved in messiest transfer saga of the summer

Chuba Akpom’s future has taken centre stage in one of the most chaotic transfer sagas of the summer window.

From booked medicals to hijacked deals and last-minute U-turns, the Nigerian-eligible striker has had clubs spinning in circles.

At one point, it looked like Birmingham City had done the job. A deal was agreed with Ajax, Akpom’s medical was booked, and everything pointed to the 29-year-old former Arsenal forward donning the blue kit.

But in came Ipswich Town with a late swoop that flipped the entire situation. Just as Birmingham were preparing to welcome their new striker, Akpom pulled the plug on the medical and made his way toward Ipswich.

Even with Birmingham returning with an improved offer and Ajax reportedly preferring their deal, Akpom chose the Tractor Boys.

The player completed a medical with Ipswich, and despite everything pointing to a sealed deal, Birmingham still refuse to give up. It all makes for an explosive subplot ahead of Friday’s opening Championship clash, which will see Ipswich take on Birmingham.

Akpom’s transfer journey this summer reads like a script from a soap opera. Ajax, who had already sidelined the striker from first-team activities, wanted the Birmingham deal to go through.

The Dutch club even agreed to a loan with an obligation to buy if Birmingham secured promotion. Yet in the background, Akpom wanted Ipswich all along. Middlesbrough also tried to get involved but failed in their late bid.

From being banished in Amsterdam to being fought over in England, Akpom has gone from outcast to hot property. And now, his Ipswich debut could come against the very club he rejected.