Ajax have agreed a season-long loan deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers for Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare, bringing the striker to the Dutch champions’ orbit as he prepares for a fresh chapter in Europe.
At a glance
- Ajax will sign Tolu Arokodare on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
- The loan fee is set at £1 million, with Ajax covering his full wages.
- There is an option to buy for £17 million if Ajax decide to make the move permanent.
- Additional payments may be triggered if Ajax qualify for European competition.
- A medical is expected to take place today before the transfer is completed.
The structure of the agreement includes a £1 million payment for the loan, while Ajax will take responsibility for the player’s wages throughout the temporary spell.
Ajax also hold a purchase option worth £17 million, should they wish to keep Arokodare beyond the loan period. Further performance-related add-ons could be activated if the club reach European places in the competition they’re competing in.
Arokodare is expected to report for his medical today, a step viewed as the final procedural requirement before the deal is officially sealed.
Why Ajax moved for Arokodare
The forward had drawn attention elsewhere, with links to Fiorentina, Genoa and Trabzonspor all surfacing as his market stock rose. Despite that competition, Ajax moved quickly and made him their primary attacking target.
While multiple reports indicated the agreement had been reached, a close contact of the Super Eagles striker suggested the transfer should be concluded within the next 24 hours.
If the move is completed as expected, Arokodare will join a notable line of Nigerian players who have worn Ajax colours, including Finidi George, Nwankwo Kanu, Sunday Oliseh, Tijani Babangida, Pius Ikedia and Calvin Bassey.
Ajax’s recruitment plan also ties into their coaching situation. Arokodare is set to work under newly appointed Spanish head coach Michel, who left Girona last season after the club were relegated from La Liga.
