Nigeria Born Chuba Akpom (29) has completed a loan move to Lille OSC, with an option to buy, both clubs have confirmed.
Akpom underwent his medical on Saturday and was in attendance as Les Dogues secured a 4-1 Ligue 1 victory against relegation-threatened AS Saint-Étienne.
The former Arsenal Academy graduate arrives to strengthen Bruno Génésio’s attacking options, with Mohamed Bayo set to join Belgian Pro League side Royal Antwerp. Additionally, Jonathan David—Lille’s leading striker—will be out of contract next June.
This season, Akpom has scored eight goals for Ajax, including four in the Europa League. Now, he will have the opportunity to compete in the Champions League, as Lille has already secured a spot in the round of 16 after finishing 7th in the league phase.
The London-born striker will wear the No. 24 jersey for Lille. I am very happy to be here. LOSC is a big club, one of the best in France, playing beautiful football and achieving great things in Europe and the league.” — Chuba Akpom
Lille describes Akpom as a “technical, hard-working, powerful, and impactful striker.”
Akpom began his career at Arsenal, but after several loan spells with Hull City, Brighton, and others, he moved abroad to play for PAOK Salonika and Middlesbrough before joining Ajax.
Akpom could make his debut for Les Dogues this Tuesday, as Lille faces Dunkerque in the Coupe de France Round of 16.
