Ipswich Town’s new signing Chuba Akpom says he is eager to make an impact after completing a season-long loan move from Ajax, Bold Sports reports.
The 29-year-old Nigerian striker, who spent the second half of last season on loan at French side Lille and featured in the Champions League, became the Tractor Boys’ sixth signing of the summer transfer window and could make his debut away to Bromley in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening.
Reflecting on his arrival, Akpom revealed just how eager he was to make the switch: “I was really excited when I heard of the interest. Obviously it’s been a mad few days for me, sorting everything out, now I’m glad to be here. The club has massive ambition, the way the team plays, the way the gaffer’s got the players moving the ball, it seems like a really dedicated team so I’m excited to be here.”
The striker explained that Ipswich’s playing style was one of the biggest factors in his decision: “I watch a lot of football and I’ve been seeing how Ipswich play in the last two seasons. I’ve always thought it suited my style a lot. As soon as I spoke to the coach, he showed me how he wanted me to play and it just made perfect sense.”
More Read
Akpom also reflected on the experiences that have shaped him in recent years: “I had a special time at Middlesbrough obviously, and then I’ve gone to Ajax, had a lot of ups and downs there, but a lot of good experiences playing in Europe. I had six months at Lille, played in the Champions League and Ligue 1. There were a lot of ups and downs, but they were experiences that could help me.”
Discussing his ambitions at Portman Road, the striker outlined what he hopes to contribute: “I want do as much as I can do to help the team, be positive in and around the changing room and on the pitch, and bring my winning mentality here.”
Akpom gave fans a glimpse of what to expect from him on matchdays: “The fans should expect me to give a 100% on the pitch, be a goal threat, express myself out there and try to have a massive impact on the team.”
Recalling a past visit to Portman Road as an opposition player, he said the atmosphere left a lasting impression: “I think it was around 2015 while I was at Nottingham Forest, we played here and lost unfortunately. The atmosphere was good, the pitch was nice. It’s a good club, it feels like a very warm club and I’m just glad to be here.”
Akpom brings extensive Championship experience, having played for Middlesbrough, Brighton, Hull City, and Nottingham Forest earlier in his career. His most prolific spell came at Middlesbrough, where he scored 28 league goals in the 2022-23 season to win the Championship Golden Boot and PFA Championship Players’ Player of the Year award before moving to Ajax in 2023.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
