Einde van een tijdperk: Ongeveer een minuut geleden kondigde John Heitinga aan dat…..
Einde van een tijdperk: Ongeveer een minuut geleden kondigde John Heitinga aan dat…..
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.
Birmingham submit an official bid of £6m, with Ajax wanting to do the deal.
However, Akpom has completed his medical with Ipswich and his focus is on joining them.
Ajax start to put pressure on Akpom because they want to do the permanent deal with Birmingham. The power appears to be with Ajax, who are yet to sanction any deal at this point.
With the saga entering its fourth day it emerges that Birmingham are pulling out of the race after Akpom made it clear to them and Ajax that he wants to join Ipswich.
