English forward Chuba Akpom has joined French club Lille on loan from Ajax until the end of the 2024-25 season. The deal includes an option for Lille to buy him permanently.
Lille announced the signing on Sunday, stating, “The versatile English striker signed up today as part of a loan (with option to buy) until the end of the 24-25 season.”
Akpom, 29, is expected to provide backup for Lille’s top striker, Jonathan David, who has scored 20 goals and provided eight assists in all competitions this season.
Lille described Akpom as a “technical, hard-working, powerful, and impactful striker.” The London-born player started his career at Arsenal but struggled to make an impact, leading to loan spells at Hull City and Brighton. He also played for PAOK Salonika and Middlesbrough.
His arrival comes as Lille, currently fourth in Ligue 1, deals with several injuries, including midfielder Edon Zhegrova and forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
Lille’s coach, Bruno Genesio, had previously stated that the club would only sign a player who fits their playing style. “The worst thing is to buy for the sake of buying,” Genesio said. “It really has to be a player who fits into the principles of the game and who is in the spirit of this group.”
