Chuba Akpom has opened up about the emotional turmoil he faced before his 2023 move to Ajax, revealing just how close he came to joining a Saudi Arabian club, Footynaija.com reports.
The former Middlesbrough striker, who scored 28 goals in 38 Championship appearances during the 2022–23 season, told LavieCutz on TikTok: “Before I signed for Ajax, I had an offer from Saudi and I didn’t sleep for five days.”
Akpom, 29, was the subject of serious interest from an unnamed Saudi Pro League side following his prolific campaign, which saw him scoop the Championship Golden Boot, Player of the Year, and Players’ Player of the Year awards, alongside a place in the Team of the Season.
“When you hear interest it’s one thing, when you start seeing it in papers, you start feeling things in your body and everything starts itching,” he added.
The Arsenal academy product eventually opted for a move to Ajax, where he scored eight goals in 32 appearances before spending the second half of last season on loan at Lille. In France, he made 16 appearances, netting three times and providing one assist.
Akpom also spoke of the psychological effect the Saudi offer had on him and his partner: “You’re about to get a certain amount, but you don’t have it yet, but in your mind, you’re already spending it. My girlfriend and I were in Disneyland. We were thinking about the things we could get.”
With three years remaining on his Ajax deal, the Saudi door may not be closed just yet.