Birmingham City target Chuba Akpom has revealed why he opted to join Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town despite interest from Blues
Chuba Akpom has moved to Ipswich Town
Chuba Akpom has revealed he chose to sign for Ipswich Town because of a ‘style’ match.
The 29-year-old, who was linked with Birmingham City, has instead opted for a year on loan with the Tractor Boys, who were lucky to escape St Andrew’s with a 1-1 draw in the season-opener on Friday night.
After a breakthrough season at Middlesbrough in 2022/23 the striker signed for Ajax and did reasonably well in his first season with the Amsterdam giants.
However, he spent last season on loan with Lille and while he appeared briefly in the Champions League, he managed only 14 Ligue 1 games, including only six starts – and just three goals.
That set in motion a transfer saga which saw Blues reportedly put in a £6million bid and even had the former Arsenal trainee lined up for a medical only for Ipswich to swoop in. Akpom was also connected with a return to Boro and Olympiacos. Last week it emerged Akpom’s ‘focus‘ was on joining Ipswich despite Blues’ attempts to sign him permanently.
But in the end he has opted for Kieran McKenna’s project and the chance to help Ipswich regain their Premier League status at the first time of asking. He will go straight into the squad and challenge George Hirst up front.
“I was really excited when I heard of the interest and I’m delighted to have joined a club with such big ambitions,” Akpom told TownTV.
“I watch a lot of football and have always thought Ipswich would suit my style, so this move makes perfect sense.
“I have had lots of good experiences over the last few years, at Ajax and playing in the Champions League with Lille, and I feel like all of these have improved me as a player and helped me be the person I am now.
“I’m here to do as much as I can do to help the team, in the changing room and on the pitch, and I’ll bring a winning mentality here.”
He becomes Town’s sixth signing of the summer transfer window and could make his debut away at Bromley in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening.
Blues, meanwhile, have so far bolstered their striking options with the additions of Kyogo Furuhashi and Marvin Ducksch but are on the look-out for further reinforcements up front.
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