Ik hoop dat dit niet waar is?… VRESELIJK NIEUWS: Enkele minuten geleden besloot Ajax-hoofdtrainer John Heitinga om…lees meer
Ik hoop dat dit niet waar is?… VRESELIJK NIEUWS: Enkele minuten geleden besloot Ajax-hoofdtrainer John Heitinga om…lees meer
This was a story that moved very fast within a 72-hour period last week. Four clubs – Ipswich, Birmingham, Middlesbrough and Olympiakos – all trying to sign the 29-year-old.
We reported 17 updates on this saga – with myself and my colleagues Dharmesh Sheth and Keith Downie following every development closely.
We had been keeping an eye on Akpom’s situation since last month due to some interest from an unnamed Scottish Premiership club, who had made an ambitious approach as they looked to add quality for their European venture. Here’s how it played out.
It becomes clear Birmingham are closing in on a deal for a season-long loan, with a £7m obligation to buy if they get promoted. Akpom is on his way to England to complete a medical.
But then Akpom’s old club Middlesbrough come into the mix and begin talks with Ajax. The striker was Boro’s top scorer in the Championship two years ago before making a £12.3m move to Ajax. He has a connection with the club and the fans. Birmingham supporters are panicking.
As the day goes on it becomes clear that Ipswich are getting close to an agreement with Ajax on a similar deal to Birmingham’s. Akpom postpones his medical with Birmingham and awaits news on the negotiations.
Ipswich agree the deal with Ajax and Akpom decides to head to Suffolk to complete a medical, arriving in the evening and undergoing his medical around 9pm.
That is that then – Akpom to Ipswich, right? Nope – Birmingham have not given up just yet!
It emerges they have reopened talks with Ajax about a permanent deal – something that is more favourable to the Dutch giants. A fee of £6m is being discussed.
