Lille has strengthened their attacking options by signing English striker Chuba Akpom on loan from Ajax until the end of the 2024-25 season, with an option to make the move permanent, the French Ligue 1 club announced on Sunday.
Akpom, 29, arrives as cover for Jonathan David, the Canadian forward who has been in red-hot form, netting 20 goals and providing eight assists across all competitions this season.
Lille, currently fourth in Ligue 1, has been dealing with an injury crisis, with key players like Edon Zhegrova and Matias Fernandez-Pardo sidelined. While manager Bruno Genesio had initially prioritized signing a winger, he emphasised the importance of bringing in the right profile.
“The worst thing is to buy for the sake of buying. It really has to be a player who fits into the principles of the game, and who is in the spirit of this group,” Genesio stated.
A versatile and physical forward (1.83m tall), Akpom began his career at Arsenal but struggled to establish himself, spending loan spells at clubs including Hull City and Brighton. He later found success with PAOK Salonika in Greece and Middlesbrough before moving to Ajax.
His arrival provides Lille with an additional attacking threat as they push for a strong finish in Ligue 1 and look to secure a European spot for next season.
