Wim Kieft, former Ajax Amsterdam striker, is stirring speculation about Chuba Akpom’s possible return to the English Premier League during the upcoming summer transfer window. This conjecture comes approximately a year after Akpom’s high-profile move from Middlesbrough to Ajax.

Despite a slew of suitors both from England and abroad vying for his signature last season, Akpom opted to join the ranks of the four-time European champions for a reported fee of 12.3 million euros. However, his aspirations have hit a roadblock due to limited playing time, with Dutch international Brian Brobbey commanding precedence in the center forward role.

Nonetheless, Akpom has demonstrated his worth, notching up fifteen goals in thirty-four appearances for Ajax, despite being predominantly utilized as a substitute.

Kieft underlines Akpom’s appeal to Premier League clubs as a homegrown talent, having honed his skills at Arsenal for thirteen years before the age of 21. Premier League regulations necessitate clubs to maintain a quota of homegrown players, rendering Akpom an attractive prospect.

In his column for De Telegraaf, Kieft suggests that Premier League clubs, flush with funds, may be willing to shell out a staggering 30 million euros (approximately N46 billion) for Akpom’s services, citing his familiarity to English audiences and his goal-scoring prowess at Ajax.

However, Kieft acknowledges the dilemma facing Ajax – whether to cash in on Akpom or prioritize sporting considerations. The club had previously rebuffed interest from Premier League outfits Nottingham Forest and Fulham during the January transfer window, indicating a reluctance to part ways with the talented forward.

As the summer transfer window looms, Akpom’s future hangs in the balance, with the allure of a Premier League return beckoning against Ajax’s desire to retain his services amidst concerns over Brian Brobbey’s injury susceptibility.