What Chuba Akpom said when he left Middlesbrough for Ajax - has it worked for him? | OneFootball

FLW takes a look back at what Chuba Akpom said when he left Middlesbrough for Ajax, and explores whether that move has worked for him.

Chuba Akpom's Riverside revival story is a tale that will fondly be told by Middlesbrough supporters for many years to come, despite it not having the fairytale ending Teessiders had hoped for.

From outcast under Neil Warnock and Chris Wilder, to being reborn as one of the Championship's very best under Michael Carrick - his 2022/23 season was truly one to remember.

Having largely been deployed as a centre-forward throughout his career, Carrick saw a completely different player, and opted to play him as an attacking midfielder - a masterstroke that even he probably didn't foresee having quite the effect it did.

Akpom's 28 goals that season saw him crowned as the Championship's golden boot winner, and despite Boro losing out in the play-off semi-finals to Coventry, it enabled the former Arsenal academy graduate to seal a £12.2m move to Dutch giants, Ajax.

So, what were his departing words to Middlesbrough supporters? How has he fared in Amsterdam since departing Teesside? Football League World takes a look.

What Chuba Akpom said upon Middlesbrough, Ajax transfer exit

Given his Riverside turnaround and the memories he'd handed Middlesbrough supporters, Akpom's exit was always going to be an emotionally charged one.

"I’d like to thank everyone connected with Boro," Akpom said via Teesside Live after his exit was confirmed.

“Last season was full of memories I’ll never forget and I will be forever proud. Everyone knows what I think of 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."

In a separate goodbye message to Middlesbrough supporters via his Instagram account, Akpom said: "My time at Middlesbrough has come to an end.

"Despite how things started, I’ve learned a lot about myself here. Last season was special. That feeling of scoring and making history at the Riverside is something I’ll truly miss.

"Thanks to everyone associated with Middlesbrough FC. I wish you all the best for the future. Boro's 29, Chuba."

How Chuba Akpom has been faring with Ajax since leaving Middlesbrough

Ajax truly are one of world football's most recognisable institutions.

They are far and away the Eredivisie's most successful club, they've lifted numerous European cups including the Champions League on four occasions, and their fabled academy system is renowned for producing some of the best young players on the planet.

As such, given that he'd proven himself to be too good for the Championship, a move to Amsterdam was pretty much a no-brainer for Akpom, but how has he been getting on over there?

Well, in his debut 2023/24 campaign at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Akpom would enjoy a fruitful season in Dutch football, scoring 15 goals and providing three assists in 36 total appearances.

11 of those strikes came in 25 Eredivisie outings, whilst a further three arrived in the Europa League, whilst his other goal came in the Dutch Cup.

Ajax would finish fifth in the league that season, and Akpom would spend the first half of the 2024/25 campaign in more of a rotational role.

He'd make just 16 league appearances between the start of the season and the end of January, with just nine of those being starts. Only three Eredivisie goals arrived in that time, whilst a further five goals came across the Dutch Cup (one) and the Europa League (four).

Come February 2025, the former Middlesbrough man would be loaned out to French Ligue 1 side Lille, where he once again has been unable to carve out a starting role.

Therefore, his time with Ajax has brought its ups and downs for Akpom, having scored a healthy number of goals despite failing to truly cement a starting role in the squad.

However, it's been far from a failure, and as such, Middlesbrough can be happy with the transfer fee they bagged for him, and Ajax have received a respectable return on their investment.