In what has been one of the most captivating Championship transfer sagas of the summer, Chuba Akpom has now made a final decision on his future, bringing an intense tug-of-war between Ipswich Town and Birmingham City to a dramatic conclusion. The 29-year-old striker, who has been linked as a potential replacement for Liam Delap at Ipswich, found himself at the centre of an increasingly heated battle between two clubs determined to secure his signature.
With both Kieran McKenna’s newly-promoted Premier League outfit and Birmingham’s revitalized squad pushing hard for the former Middlesbrough and Ajax striker, Akpom’s ultimate choice provides clarity in a saga that has had fans, pundits, and clubs on edge for weeks.
Background: The Return of a Championship Star
Chuba Akpom’s name has long been respected in Championship circles. The powerful forward made headlines in the 2022/23 season when he scored 28 goals in 38 games for Middlesbrough — a career-best campaign that saw him crowned the Championship’s Golden Boot winner. That form earned him a high-profile switch to Dutch giants Ajax in the summer of 2023.
However, despite scoring on his Europa League debut and providing moments of class, Akpom struggled to fully settle in Amsterdam. A combination of managerial instability, tactical mismatch, and personal adaptation issues meant the move didn’t pan out as hoped.
Fast forward to the summer of 2025, and it was widely understood that Akpom was open to a return to England — and to regular football, especially with the promise of being a main man again.
The Contenders: Ipswich Town vs Birmingham City
Ipswich Town – The Premier League Opportunity
Ipswich Town’s interest in Akpom escalated rapidly after Liam Delap’s loan spell from Manchester City ended, leaving a gaping hole at the top of the pitch. Manager Kieran McKenna, known for his tactical fluidity and ability to rejuvenate attacking talent, was reportedly “keen to bring in a versatile striker who can operate both centrally and from deep positions.”
According to sources close to the club, Akpom was identified as a perfect fit — not just as a goal threat, but as a player with the movement, intelligence, and maturity needed to help Ipswich navigate their return to the Premier League.
Ipswich reportedly submitted a formal offer worth up to £8.5 million, with performance-related bonuses and a long-term deal.
Birmingham City – The Ambitious Rebuild
Under new ownership and with a fresh, long-term vision, Birmingham City have been aggressively targeting high-profile names in their mission to return to the Championship’s top six. Having secured several key signings in midfield and defence, the final piece of the puzzle was a proven striker, and Akpom’s availability lit the spark.
Reports suggested Birmingham were prepared to offer Akpom a central leadership role, along with an undisputed starting place and financial incentives that would make him one of the highest earners in the league.
They also played the loyalty card, reminding Akpom of his roots in English football and offering him the chance to lead a resurgent Blues side back to where they believe they belong.
McKenna’s Role in the Tug-of-War
Sources from Portman Road suggest that Kieran McKenna personally intervened in the pursuit of Akpom. The highly rated manager, recently awarded a contract extension after leading Ipswich to back-to-back promotions, is known for building strong player relationships and was said to have held direct conversations with the striker.
“He sees Akpom as someone who fits his attacking blueprint — clever movement, strong link-up play, and an eye for goal,” one insider said. “McKenna believes he can get him firing again at the top level.”
Akpom was reportedly impressed with the manager’s vision, the opportunity to play Premier League football, and the chance to re-establish himself on the biggest domestic stage.
The Twist: Decision Day Approaches
As talks progressed over the past few days, things took a twist when sources close to Akpom’s camp revealed that the striker was leaning toward Birmingham City due to the promise of guaranteed game time and a leadership role.
Ipswich, facing stiff internal competition for attacking spots with the arrival of Omari Hutchinson, George Hirst, and speculation around another top-tier forward signing, could not offer the same guarantee.
With agents from both clubs pushing aggressively behind the scenes, it appeared the saga could extend into the final days of the transfer window.
But on Tuesday morning, the drama ended.
The Final Decision: Akpom Chooses Ipswich Town
In a statement released via his representatives and later confirmed by the club, Chuba Akpom has officially chosen Ipswich Town as his next destination.
The striker has agreed to a four-year deal, with an option for a fifth, and the transfer fee is believed to be £9 million including add-ons. He is expected to fly in for a medical by the end of the week and join the squad during their ongoing pre-season tour.
In his first public comment, Akpom said:
“I’m thrilled to be joining Ipswich Town at such an exciting time. The project here is ambitious and inspiring. I’ve spoken at length with the manager, and I believe in what he’s building. I can’t wait to get started and help the club make an impact in the Premier League.”
What Akpom Brings to Ipswich
This signing is a huge statement of intent from Ipswich Town. In Akpom, they get:
- A striker with proven goal-scoring pedigree at Championship level.
- A player who has experience in European competitions.
- A mature, versatile forward who can complement Ipswich’s fluid, attacking football.
- Someone who still has plenty of peak years left in him.
For fans, the move addresses a major concern about replacing Delap’s movement and clinical finishing. With Akpom in the mix, Ipswich now boast one of the most well-rounded forward lines among Premier League newcomers.
Heartbreak for Birmingham
For Birmingham City, the news will come as a bitter blow. They had reportedly made Akpom their top summer priority, and missing out despite offering a strong package highlights the competitive nature of this transfer window.
Their attention will now turn to alternative targets, but the missed opportunity to land such a marquee striker could sting for a while, especially if Akpom starts strongly in the top flight.
Chuba Akpom’s decision to choose Ipswich Town over Birmingham City marks a pivotal moment in both clubs’ summer strategies. For Ipswich, it’s a bold reinforcement of their Premier League ambitions. For Birmingham, it’s a reminder of how fierce the competition has become — even outside the top flight.
Above all, it’s a win for McKenna and his recruitment team, who continue to defy expectations with smart, aggressive moves in the market.
As Akpom prepares to pull on the blue and white stripes of Ipswich, fans can now look forward to seeing one of the Championship’s deadliest strikers make his long-awaited Premier League return.
And with opening day just weeks away, all eyes will be on Portman Road to see whether this move becomes the catalyst for a successful survival, or more.
Ipswich fans, what do you make of this move? Is Akpom the answer up front? Birmingham supporters — who should your club target next? Sound off below and share your thoughts using #AkpomDecision!
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