Dutch giants Ajax have stoked controversy by reportedly banishing Nigerian striker Chuba Akpom and others from the first team and restricting their use of club resources via a WhatsApp text.
The message, purportedly from technical director Alex Kroes, has been viewed as a ruthless signal as the club begins to rebuild under new manager John Heitinga ahead of the 2025/26 season.
According to GOAL, Akpom was among seven players informed they were no longer welcome at first-team training as the club undergoes a major overhaul during the summer.
The 29-year-old Arsenal graduate has seemingly found himself in limbo, just two years after arriving at the Johan Cruyff Arena in a £12 million transfer from Middlesbrough.
Chuba Akpom among reported Ajax axings
Once a promising talent in the Arsenal academy and a regular feature for England’s U21s, Akpom has tried to reignite his career over the past few seasons.
A strong spell at Middlesbrough, the EFL Championship regulars, was followed by his transfer to Ajax in 2023, but his time in Amsterdam seems to have been short-lived.
Holland, brace up!
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) November 5, 2023
Chuba Akpom is here! pic.twitter.com/VH9LfFGHuX
In January, the London-born forward was loaned to French Ligue 1 side Lille, where he made 14 appearances and scored three goals, per Transfermarkt statistics.
Despite having three years left on his Ajax contract, the Dutch Eredivisie outfit has reportedly made it clear that the Nigerian striker is surplus to their requirements.
Per All Nigeria Soccer, Akpom is joined on the chopping block by Carlos Forbs, Borna Sosa, Kristian Hlynsson, Christian Rasmussen, Branco van den Boomen, and Jay Gorter.
The group has been reportedly excluded from full squad activities and restricted to using only basic training pitches and the gym as they seek new clubs to join.
One physiotherapist was also said to have been assigned to serve the entire sidelined group of Ajax Amsterdam players, sending a clear message about their status.
Two years ago today, Chuba Akpom was awarded the Championship Player of the Season! 🥇 #Boro pic.twitter.com/XzOZVBswCB
— TheTeessiders (@TheTeessiders) April 23, 2025
A tough summer ahead for Akpom
Akpom has previously expressed his desire to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, having switched his international allegiance from England in 2019 despite representing them at the junior levels.
Born in London to Nigerian parents, he remains eligible for the national team but has yet to receive a formal call-up, per Daily Post. However, the reported development at Ajax has left his future unclear.
While the club eyes a fresh rebuild to challenge again in the UEFA Champions League and Eredivisie, Akpom would have to focus on securing a transfer that keeps him competitive and visible.
For now, the 29-year-old striker must weigh his options amid limited access to first-team facilities and a clear message that his time in Amsterdam is over, with his next move to be defining.
