Chuba Akpom has completed a loan move to Ligue 1 side Lille from Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam. The 29-year-old joins the former French champions with an option for the deal to be made permanent at the end of the season.

Lille secured Akpom’s signature despite strong interest from several European clubs. The Arsenal academy graduate moved to Ajax from Sky Bet Championship side Middlesbrough in 2023 after an outstanding season in England. During the 2022/23 campaign, he enjoyed the most prolific spell of his career, scoring 29 goals in 42 appearances and earning the Championship Player of the Season award.

Despite his success at Middlesbrough, Akpom struggled for consistent game time at Ajax. He managed 15 goals in 36 appearances during his debut season with the Dutch club. This season, he has netted eight goals in the Eredivisie and added four more in the UEFA Europa League.

With his move to Lille, Akpom will look to rediscover his best form and make a strong impact in French football.