Birmingham’s move for Chuba Akpom has been hijacked with the ex-Arsenal forward choosing to join Ipswich Town instead, talkSPORT understands.
Three Championship clubs registered interest in the 29-year-old who currently plies his trade with Ajax.
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Akpom looked set to join Birmingham despite Middlesbrough’s late advancesCredit: Getty
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However, the player is now bound for Portman RoadCredit: Getty
Akpom will leave Ajax after he was reportedly banished from first-team training earlier this summer.
It followed a loan spell at French side Lille during the second half of last season.
Birmingham had already agreed a season-long loan deal with Ajax for Akpom.
This deal included an obligation to buy the 29-year-old if they are promoted to the Premier League.
Boro, who Akpom has previously represented, failed in their attempt to hijack the deal, but Ipswich made an even later attempt to sign the striker.
And in a fresh twist to this transfer saga, Akpom has snubbed Birmingham in favour of the Tractor Boys, who are back in the second tier after being relegated from the Premier League last season.
Akpom could make his Ipswich debut against Birmingham, with the two sides to meet in the 2025/26 season opener on Friday night, live on talkSPORT.
London-born Akpom began his career with Arsenal, making 12 senior appearances for them.
Akpom’s move to Middlesbrough came in 2020 after a two-year spell with Greek side PAOK.
Akpom spent three years with Boro prior to moving to the Netherlands in 2023.
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The 29-year-old won the Championship Golden Boot during his final season at BoroCredit: Getty
During that time, he scored 34 goals in 82 appearances across all competitions.
The former England under-21 international also won the Championship Golden Boot during the 2022/23 campaign.
Boro begin the new campaign at home to Swansea on Saturday.
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