Ajax Amsterdam have agreed a deal to sign Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, bringing an end to a difficult debut season in the Premier League for the Nigerian forward.
The move is structured as a loan with a non-mandatory buy option of 22 million euros, meaning Ajax can make the transfer permanent next summer without being obligated to do so. Ajax will also cover Arokodare’s full salary for the duration of the loan and will pay Wolves a separate loan fee.
Wolves stand to earn additional bonuses if Ajax qualify for European competition during the loan spell. Romano confirmed the agreement on his official social media account, writing that
“Ajax agree deal to sign Tolu Arokodare from Wolves on initial loan.”
The Dutch club moved quickly once talks opened, and terms were wrapped up within days, according to [a report detailing the medical and final formalities
Arokodare joined Wolves from Belgian side Genk last summer in a deal worth around 24 million pounds, arriving with strong credentials after scoring 41 goals in 113 appearances for the Jupiler League club. However, life in England never settled for him. He managed just three goals in 1,408 minutes of Premier League football, and Wolves were relegated to the Championship at the end of the season.
The situation deteriorated further in preseason. Reports emerged that Arokodare refused to leave a training session after being told he was no longer part of the first team plans, and the session was reportedly cancelled as a result, according to [a report from a Wolverhampton-focused outlet on the training fallout]
The striker was also racially abused by fans following a missed penalty in a defeat to Crystal Palace in February, an incident Wolves condemned in a club statement at the time. Despite his struggles in England, Ajax are said to be encouraged by Arokodare’s track record in Belgium rather than his short Premier League spell.
New manager Michel is reportedly targeting the 1.97 metre forward as a physical presence to lead the line, following the departure of Wout Weghorst to FC Twente. Arokodare’s arrival is also expected to push Kasper Dolberg further down the pecking order, with the Danish striker now linked with a move away from Amsterdam.
Arokodare has become an increasingly important figure for the Super Eagles since earning his first call up last year, and his move to a club competing regularly in Europe gives him a fresh platform after a season that offered little game time. Ajax’s history of developing and showcasing attacking talent means the Eredivisie switch could work in his favour heading into Nigeria’s upcoming international fixtures, where consistent match sharpness at club level often shapes selection.
Arokodare is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days before the move is finalised. Once confirmed, he will link up with his new teammates ahead of the new Eredivisie season, with Ajax hoping his physical presence and finishing instincts, the same qualities that made him prolific at Genk, translate quickly to his new surroundings.
