Tolu Arokadare joins Ajax, set for medicals

Ajax have reached an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers to sign Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare on a season long loan deal, bringing the talented forward closer to a return to Dutch football.

The Dutch giants will pay a £1 million loan fee to Wolves and will also cover the player’s full wages throughout the duration of the loan.

The agreement includes an option for Ajax to make the transfer permanent next summer for £17 million. There are also performance related clauses that could see Wolves receive additional payments if Ajax qualify for European competitions.

Arokodare is expected to undergo his medical on Tuesday before signing the necessary documents to complete the move. Once the medical is successful, Ajax are expected to officially announce the Nigerian striker as one of their new additions for the 2026/27 season.

The 25 year old attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, including Italian sides Fiorentina and Genoa, as well as Turkish club Trabzonspor. However, Ajax made him their top attacking target as they looked to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Sky Sports UK and Belgian outlet HLN all reported that an agreement had been reached between the two clubs.

A source close to the Super Eagles striker also confirmed that the deal is expected to be finalised within the next 24 hours.

If the transfer is completed, Arokodare will become the latest Nigerian footballer to wear the famous Ajax shirt.

He will join a distinguished list of Nigerian stars who have represented the Amsterdam club, including Finidi George, Nwankwo Kanu, Sunday Oliseh, Tijani Babangida, Pius Ikedia and Calvin Bassey, all of whom enjoyed memorable spells with the Eredivisie side.

Arokodare is expected to work under newly appointed head coach Míchel, who recently took charge after leaving Girona following the Spanish club’s relegation from La Liga.

Ajax believe the Nigerian forward’s physical strength, aerial ability and goal scoring instincts will add more firepower to their attack as they aim to challenge for domestic honours and secure a successful return to European competition.

The move is also expected to provide Arokodare with regular first team football, an opportunity that could boost his chances of cementing a place in the Super Eagles squad ahead of upcoming international competitions.

If he impresses during the season, Ajax are likely to consider activating the permanent transfer option included in the agreement.