Sunderland’s hopes of signing Chuba Akpom on loan from Ajax have proved short-lived. The former Middlesbrough striker has opted for a move to Ligue 1 Lille.
Sunderland have several strikers and attacking players on their transfer radar going into deadline day. But one of them in Chuba Akpom has been checked off the list, as the 29-year-old moves towards Lille.
It’s been recently reported that Akpom had several offers to leave Ajax on loan, though three options presented themselves to the 2022/23 Championship Golden Boot winner: Fiorentina, Lille, and Sunderland.
Then on Friday, it was revealed that Lille have agreed a deal to sign Akpom on loan from Ajax for the remainder of the season, handing a hammer blow to Sunderland and Regis Le Bris in the process.
Time is rapidly running out for Kristjaan Speakman to bring a new striker to the Stadium of Light with the transfer window slamming shut on February 3rd.
Chuba Akpom wanted UCL football amid Sunderland links
If it’s any consolation for Sunderland, it’s now been revealed why Akpom chose to move to France with Lille. De Telegraaf reiterate the fact that Fiorentina, Lille, and Sunderland were in for the striker, but stated that Akpom favoured ‘the adventure in the Champions League’ with Lille.
Lille secured a place in the last 16 of the competition after their thumping 6-1 win over Feyenoord on Wednesday night. Clubs in the Champions League can still register three new players and so Akpom can play a part in the French outfit’s Champions League push.
Sunderland meanwhile will continue in their quest for promotion to the Premier League, currently sitting in 4th place of the Championship table.
How much Lille can sign Chuba Akpom for in the summer
Ajax wanted to get Akpom off their wage bill. But he was a prolific striker for the Dutch giants scoring 23 goals in 67 total games, after moving from Middlesbrough in 2023.
Ajax paid £12.2million for Akpom. And Jordan Henderson’s side want to reclaim much of that fee with reports that Lille can sign Akpom for £10.45million at the end of this season.
The summer transfer window could see a lot of noise about Akpom once again. If Sunderland are promoted they’ll have a bit more money to spend, and Akpom could then become a realistic signing for the Black Cats.
Sunderland return to action against Middlesbrough on Monday night.