'I didn't sleep for five days' – Ajax striker Akpom reveals how close he came to Saudi move

Chuba Akpom has revealed his experience with a huge proposal just before his move from Middlesbrough to AFC Ajax in 2023.

In an interview with LavieCutz on TikTok, Akpom stated: "Before I signed for Ajax, I had an offer from Saudi and I didn't sleep for five days."

With 28 goals in 38 EFL Championship games in the 2022-23 season, the Arsenal academy graduate was the subject of attention for an unnamed Saudi Pro League outfit and was dazzled by the offer. 

He continued: "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."

Owing to his impressive form throughout the season, Chuba Akpom carted home the EFL Golden Boot, Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year award and a mention in the Championship Team of the Season. 

Indeed, he had a season to be remembered.

"I didn't sleep for 5 days, he reiterated, I told my girlfriend while I was in bed trying to process it."

The 29-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at French outfit Lille where he appeared in 16 games, scoring three times and providing one assist, adding to his already existing tally of 8 goals in 32 games for his parent club Ajax.

The Nigerian striker also revealed how he planned for the future after getting the offer

"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 left on his deal with Ajax, it remains to be seen if he will favour a move to Saudi Arabia should the opportunity present itself once more.

Boluwatife Adenusi

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