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By: Abiodun Adewale.
New Ajax striker, Chuba Akpom, has set his sight on setting more records for the Dutch giants after joining them from Championship side Middlesbrough on Wednesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The former Arsenal man was signed for €12.3m, which could increase to €14.3m through variables.
He penned a five-year deal and was handed the iconic No.10 jersey, which was previously worn by Johan Cruyff, Frank Rijkaard, Aron Winter, Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Kluivert, Rafael van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder.
In his first presser with the club, the 27-year-old relished his new home with the confidence of winning more laurels with the record 36-time winners of the Dutch Eredivisie and four-time UEFA Champions League winners.
“It’s a very historical club, hopefully, I can create some history here,” he told the club website.
“The name says a lot, when you put on this jersey, what it represents, the history and the success that club has achieved and what the club stands for, I respect that and I am ready to push the club forward.”
The 27-year-old is yet to feature this season but finished last term with 29 goals for Boro in all competitions to finish as the second tier’s top scorer.
In another message, Akpom also thanked his former club, Middlesbrough, where he had his best career return last season in the Championship.
“I’d like to thank everyone connected with Boro,” Akpom said.
“Last season was full of memories I’ll never forget and I will be forever proud. Everyone knows what I think of Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick, and I’m sure success is just around the corner.
“For me now, I have an exciting new challenge with one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I can’t wait to get started with Ajax.”
Ajax finished third in the Dutch Eredivisie in 2022/23, 13 points behind champions and fierce rivals Feyenoord, but started this campaign with a 4-1 win over Heracles Almelo.