1. The Transfer Rollercoaster Ends in Suffolk
In one of the most sensational twists of the summer transfer window, Chuba Akpom has finally completed his move back to England—joining Ipswich Town on a season-long loan from Ajax, with a purchase obligation triggered by promotion. The 29-year-old ex-Arsenal striker had been pursued by several suitors. A deal initially struck with Birmingham City unraveled when an audacious late swoop from Ipswich and a failed hijack from Middlesbrough sent the saga into overdrive.
2. The Dramatic Countdown of a 72-Hour Transfer Saga
Inside Sky Sports News, correspondent Anthony Joseph charted the dizzying developments of the past 72 hours, attended by pundits Dharmesh Sheth and Keith Downie. The drama began on Saturday, August 2, when Birmingham City appeared set to secure Akpom on loan, complete with a promotion-linked buy clause. By Sunday, August 3, Middlesbrough (Akpom’s former club) re-entered the fray—but failed to strike a deal. Then came the coup de théâtre: Ipswich launched a last-minute approach, prompting Akpom to postpone his medical with Birmingham and head to Suffolk to finalize terms.
3. U-Turns, Medicals, and Late-Night Decisions
By Monday, August 4, Ipswich had clinched agreement with Ajax, and Akpom underwent his medical in the evening—around 9 pm. Meanwhile, Birmingham attempted to reassert themselves with a £6 million permanent offer, which Ajax reportedly preferred. Yet in a bold display of agency, Akpom declined to shift course—opting instead for Ipswich, where he believed his style and ambitions aligned more closely.
4. Official: Akpom Signs with Ipswich
On Monday, August 11, media outlets confirmed the deal: Chuba Akpom had committed to Ipswich Town for the season, with the agreement including an obligation to purchase—estimated at around £7 million—should the club gain promotion. This announcement officially closed what Sky Sports calls “a story that moved very fast within a 72-hour period.” The swift conclusion of this saga marks a victory for Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, who secured his striker under pressure.
5. Akpom’s Words: “This Move Makes Perfect Sense”
Akpom addressed TownTV to reflect on the whirlwind:
“I was really excited when I heard of the interest and I’m delighted to have joined a club with such big ambitions. I watch a lot of football and have always thought Ipswich would suit my style, so this move makes perfect sense.
He continued:
“I have had lots of good experiences over the last few years, at Ajax and playing in the Champions League with Lille, and I feel like all of these have improved me as a player and helped me be the person I am now.
And wrapped up with:
“I’m here to do as much as I can do to help the team, in the changing room and on the pitch, and I’ll bring a winning mentality here.”
The summer’s most discussed transfer saga reached its climax on August 11, 2025, when Chuba Akpom officially signed a season-long loan deal with Ipswich Town, complete with a clause to make the move permanent in the event of promotion. The arrival marked the dramatic end of a frenzied pursuit that involved Birmingham City, Middlesbrough, and Greek side Olympiakos.
The story unfolded in rapid-fire fashion over just three days. Sky Sports News, with reporters Anthony Joseph, Dharmesh Sheth, and Keith Downie, chronicled the roller-coaster ride. On August 2, Birmingham appeared to have secured Akpom’s signature, arranging a loan with a buy-option. By the following day, whispers of a resurgence in Middlesbrough’s interest surfaced—but without the decisive agreement.
Then everything pivoted. Ipswich suddenly emerged as a contender, prompting Akpom to cancel a scheduled medical with Birmingham in favor of talks in Suffolk. The Ipswich deal materialized swiftly, leading to a late-evening medical on August 4. While Birmingham re-submitted a £6 million permanent bid (reportedly favored by Ajax), Akpom made it clear that he’d chosen Ipswich—tilting the power balance in his favor.
That declaration effectively sealed the transfer. On August 11, Ipswich confirmed they had captured Akpom on a loan with provisions to buy should they ascend to the Premier League, resolving one of the window’s tensest sagas. Kieran McKenna, Ipswich’s manager, secured his striker amid mounting competition and tension.
Once settled, Akpom immediately expressed his satisfaction with the move. “I was really excited when I heard of the interest and I’m delighted to have joined a club with such big ambitions. … I watch a lot of football and have always thought Ipswich would suit my style, so this move makes perfect sense,” he said. He also reflected on his development: “I have had lots of good experiences over the last few years, at Ajax and playing in the Champions League with Lille … helped me be the person I am now.” He concluded with a clear rallying cry to his new club: “I’m here to do as much as I can do to help the team … and I’ll bring a winning mentality here.”
