Ligue 1 club Lille has reinforced their squad with the acquisition of Chuba Akpom on loan from Ajax, a deal that includes an option for a permanent transfer. Club president Olivier Lentang is confident that the Nigerian-born forward will add strength to the team for the remainder of the campaign, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
The 29-year-old striker finalized his move after successfully completing a medical on Saturday. He was also present at Stade Pierre-Mauroy to witness Lille’s emphatic 4-1 triumph over AS Saint-Etienne.
“It is with great pleasure that we announce the arrival of Chuba. We have been following him for a very long time, he has played in big clubs and he has experience in European competitions,” Lentang stated.
“We had already wanted to bring him in the past but it had not been possible. Chuba is a striker capable of playing in different positions, in several positions on the front of the attack.”
The former Arsenal Academy player has found the net eight times this season for Ajax, including four goals in the Europa League. Now, he will have the opportunity to showcase his talent in the Champions League as Lille has advanced to the tournament’s round of 16.
“He will bring complementary qualities to the current group so that we are even stronger. His human qualities will allow him to integrate very quickly into our squad. Chuba really pushed to join us and we are very happy that he is now part of the Dogues family,” Lentang added.
Akpom, thrilled about his move, shared his excitement about the new chapter in his career.
“I am very happy to be here,” Akpom said.
“LOSC is a big club, one of the best in France, which practices beautiful football and achieves great things in Europe and the league.”
The forward, who will don the No.24 jersey, is expected to provide additional firepower alongside Canadian striker Jonathan David, who has been in sensational form this season with 20 goals and eight assists across all competitions.
Described by the club as a “technical, hard-working, powerful and impactful striker,” Akpom began his football journey at Arsenal and gained experience through loan spells at English sides such as Hull City and Brighton.
The new recruit could make his first appearance for Bruno Genesio’s squad in the Coupe de France round of 16 encounter against regional rivals Dunkerque later today.
