Confirmed: Arokodare joins Ajax as eighth Super Eagles player at Dutch club
Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has completed his move to Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, becoming the eighth Nigerian international to represent the Dutch club.
Ajax and Wolves confirmed the deal on Tuesday, with the Eredivisie side securing the 25-year-old forward on an initial loan until the end of the season.
The agreement includes an option to make the transfer permanent in the summer of 2027 for a reported fee of €22 million.
The Amsterdam club will cover Arokodare’s full wages during the loan spell, while Wolves will receive a loan fee and could earn additional bonuses if Ajax qualify for European competition.
A fresh start in Amsterdam for Arokodare
Arokodare leaves Wolves after an underwhelming first season in England, where injuries, limited playing time and reported off-field issues restricted his impact. The Nigerian striker managed six goals and two assists before both parties agreed on a temporary move.
The transfer follows failed moves to Turkish side Trabzonspor and Italian club Fiorentina earlier in the window before Ajax emerged as his preferred destination.
The striker will wear the No. 99 shirt and expressed his excitement after completing the move.
“I’m currently a player of Ajax. Because it’s just an amazing feeling, like I said. I never imagined, but… it’s just an amazing feeling.
“There’s been so many big names that have played here, so many big strikers that have played for this team that have really represented the team well, and we know about the amazing and huge talents that they can produce. So, I can’t wait to get started, get going with the team, with the players, hopefully score some goals, win games and get back to being at the top of the table.”
Continuing Nigeria’s Ajax legacy
Arokodare becomes the latest Nigerian to join Ajax, following the paths of Finidi George, Nwankwo Kanu, Christopher Kanu, Sunday Oliseh, Tijani Babangida, Pius Ikedia and Calvin Bassey.
His arrival adds another chapter to the long-standing connection between Ajax and Nigerian football, with the club hoping the striker can strengthen it attack as it aims to reclaim the Eredivisie title and compete strongly in Europe.