Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare is on the brink of sealing a move to Dutch football giants Ajax after Wolverhampton Wanderers reached an agreement for the Nigerian forward to join the Eredivisie club on a season long loan.
The 25 year old is expected to undergo a medical examination in the Netherlands before completing the transfer, which includes an option for Ajax to make the move permanent at the end of the 2026/27 season.
The move represents a fresh opportunity for Arokodare to revive his career following a challenging debut campaign in English football. After arriving at Wolves from Belgian club Genk in a deal worth around £24 million last summer, the powerful striker struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
He made 38 appearances in all competitions during the 2025/26 season, scoring six goals and providing valuable attacking support despite the club’s difficult campaign, which ended in relegation from the Premier League.
With Wolves preparing for life outside the English top flight, speculation surrounding Arokodare’s future intensified throughout the transfer window. Several clubs across Europe expressed interest in signing the Nigerian international, but Ajax moved quickly to secure an agreement with the Championship side.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that both clubs had finalised terms for the loan arrangement, while reports indicate that Ajax will have the option to purchase the striker permanently once the season concludes. Although the exact structure of the agreement has not been officially disclosed, the overall package is believed to be worth about €20 million.
Ajax see Arokodare as one of their priority attacking targets as the club seeks to rebuild under head coach Michel. The Amsterdam side endured a disappointing domestic campaign last season and is determined to return to the summit of Dutch football.
Club officials believe the Nigerian possesses the physical presence, aerial strength and finishing ability required to strengthen their attacking line as they prepare for domestic and European competitions.
Interestingly, Ajax had monitored Arokodare before his move to England last year. According to Nigerian transfer insider Buchi Laba, the Dutch club maintained its interest in the striker and reignited negotiations once it became clear he could leave Wolves this summer.
Reports also suggest that Arokodare rejected interest from Turkish side Trabzonspor, while Italian clubs Fiorentina and Genoa failed to reach an agreement with Wolves despite holding discussions over a potential transfer.
Although his statistics in England were modest, Arokodare’s reputation remains strong because of his outstanding spell in Belgium with Genk.
During his time at the Belgian club, the Nigerian striker scored 41 goals and contributed 12 assists in 113 appearances across all competitions. His finest campaign came in the 2024/25 season, when he netted 23 goals to establish himself among the most prolific forwards in the Belgian Pro League. Those performances eventually convinced Wolves to invest heavily in his services.
A move to Ajax could provide the ideal environment for Arokodare to rediscover his best form. The Eredivisie has long been recognised as one of Europe’s leading leagues for developing attacking talent, with several African stars using the competition as a stepping stone to successful careers in Europe’s elite leagues.
The style of football traditionally played by Ajax, which emphasises possession, creativity and attacking movement, may also suit the Nigerian striker’s strengths better than the physical demands of English football.
For the Super Eagles, the transfer could also be encouraging ahead of upcoming international assignments. Regular playing time at one of Europe’s biggest clubs would improve Arokodare’s sharpness and strengthen Nigeria’s attacking options as the national team prepares for future continental and World Cup qualification fixtures.
Ajax supporters will now await confirmation that the striker has successfully completed his medical before the club officially announces the deal.
If everything proceeds as expected, Arokodare will begin a new chapter in Amsterdam with the opportunity to revive his career, help Ajax challenge for major honours and reaffirm his status as one of Nigeria’s leading forwards.
After a difficult season in England, the proposed move offers both player and club the chance for a fresh start. For Arokodare, it could become the turning point that reignites his career and restores the prolific form that made him one of Europe’s most sought after Nigerian strikers.
