Ajax have reportedly informed Wolverhampton Wanderers of their desire to sign Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare permanently after his impressive start to life in the Netherlands revived his reputation following a difficult spell in English football.
The Dutch giants are understood to be working towards a potential agreement that would keep the 25-year-old forward in Amsterdam beyond his current loan spell, which runs until the summer of 2027.
According to reports, Ajax are already considering their options ahead of a possible permanent transfer next year. However, neither club has publicly confirmed that a final agreement has been reached, and the financial details of the proposed deal remain unclear.
Arokodare’s resurgence has provided a significant boost to his career after a challenging first season at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter following his arrival from Belgian side Genk.
The Nigerian international joined Wolves in 2025 after an outstanding campaign in Belgium, where he finished as the Belgian Pro League’s leading scorer for the 2024/25 season. His goalscoring exploits had raised expectations that he could become an important attacking figure in English football.
However, his time at Molineux proved more difficult than anticipated. Despite scoring six goals across league and cup competitions, Arokodare found opportunities limited and struggled to secure a consistent place in the starting lineup.
His situation became increasingly uncertain as Wolves endured a difficult campaign that ended in relegation from the Premier League. Reports of tensions surrounding his position at the club added to the uncertainty over his future, making a summer departure an increasingly realistic possibility.
Ajax eventually secured his services on a season-long loan in July 2026, with an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the agreement.
The move offered the striker an opportunity to rebuild his confidence in a league where his physical qualities and goalscoring instincts could be better utilised.
So far, the decision appears to be paying dividends.
Arokodare has made an encouraging impression in Amsterdam, contributing goals and assists while providing Ajax with a different attacking option. His height, strength and ability to occupy opposition defenders have added another dimension to the team’s forward line.
Standing at approximately 1.97 metres, the Nigerian possesses the physical presence to compete with central defenders, hold up possession and create opportunities for teammates. His ability to operate as a traditional centre-forward also gives Ajax an alternative approach when their usual passing combinations fail to break down stubborn opposition defences.
His recent performances have strengthened the argument for Ajax to consider keeping him beyond the current season.
The forward’s growing influence was evident in Ajax’s 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Conference League on October 22, when he scored the opening goal. The strike helped Ajax secure the win and provided another opportunity for the Nigerian to demonstrate his value.
Following that match, Arokodare also expressed his willingness to remain at the Dutch club permanently, making it clear that he has been enjoying his experience in Amsterdam.
His positive comments offer an additional indication that a longer stay could appeal to both the player and the club, although any transfer will ultimately depend on negotiations between Ajax and Wolves.
For Ajax, retaining Arokodare could provide continuity in attack and reward a recruitment decision that is beginning to deliver encouraging results. The club would also have the opportunity to assess his performances over the remainder of the campaign before committing to a permanent transfer.
Wolves, meanwhile, face their own considerations. The English club invested a reported £24 million in the striker before his move to the Netherlands, and his improved performances could help them recover value from that investment.
However, the precise terms of the existing loan agreement will be important in determining how the situation develops. Although the deal includes a purchase option, the reported interest in a permanent move does not automatically mean Ajax have agreed to activate it or negotiated a separate transfer.
The timing of any potential agreement could also depend on Arokodare’s continued form, Ajax’s assessment of their attacking options and Wolves’ own plans for the player.
For the Super Eagles forward, the immediate priority will be maintaining his momentum and demonstrating that his revival is sustainable.
His experience at Wolves highlighted the difficulties players can face when opportunities are limited and expectations are high. His performances at Ajax, by contrast, suggest that a change of environment can provide the platform needed to rediscover confidence and consistency.
A permanent move would give Arokodare the chance to establish himself more firmly at one of the Netherlands’ most prominent clubs while continuing to develop his reputation in European football.
For now, the prospect of a long-term stay remains a developing transfer story rather than a completed deal. Nevertheless, Ajax’s reported interest represents a notable turnaround for a striker whose future looked uncertain only a few months ago.
If he continues to deliver important goals and contribute to the team’s ambitions, Arokodare could turn his loan spell into a permanent opportunity and make Amsterdam the next major chapter of his European career.
