By Nurudeen Obalola
Nigerian striker Chuba Akpom has completed his loan switch from Ajax Amsterdam to Lille, the French club have confirmed.
“A new offensive asset joins the Dogues squad! The versatile striker, Chuba Akpom (29 years old), signed today with LOSC on loan (with option to buy) until the end of the 2024-2025 season. He arrives from Ajax Amsterdam (Netherlands),” the former club of Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama stated on Sunday.
Born in London to Nigerian parents 29 years ago, Akpom began his football career at the Arsenal Academy at the age of six, signing his first professional contract and making his debut with the Gunners first team at just 17 years old.
Akpom has since played for several clubs in England and across Europe, including Brentford, Coventry, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Middlesbrough, PAOK Salonika in Greece, Sint Truiden in Belgium and Ajax.
The former England youth international said he could not pass up the opportunity to link up with the 2020/2021 Ligue 1 champions who are currently in the UEFA Champions League and are through to the round of 16.
“I am very happy to be here. LOSC is a great club, one of the best in France, which plays beautiful football, which achieves great things in Europe and in the championship,” Akpom told the Lille website.
“I was able to see that there was a great state of mind in the group. I am impatient to be able to start my adventure here. I would like to thank the President and everyone at the club for allowing me to sign here.”
Lille are currently fourth in the Ligue 1 table, two points off third place, which is the last Champions League spot.
