Chuba Akpom cannot yet make his debut for Ajax on Saturday in the away game against Excelsior. The striker, who came over from Middlesbrough, is still awaiting a work permit. Last Wednesday he signed a contract for five seasons with the team from Amsterdam.
Akpom became the top scorer in the Championship, England’s second tier, last season. He scored 28 goals in 38 league matches for Middlesbrough.
Akpom went through the youth academy of Arsenal and also played football for the Greek PAOK. At Ajax he will compete with Brian Brobbey, the only real striker in the selection of trainer Maurice Steijn.
Akpom may be eligible to play next Thursday if Ajax has a game in the play-offs of the Europa League scheduled. The team from Amsterdam will then compete against the winner of the diptych between the Bulgarian Ludogorets and FC Astana from Kazakhstan. FC Astana won the first game 2-1 last week.