Following a decisive impact off the bench to secure Ajax’s inaugural victory in the UEFA Conference League, Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare admitted he would gladly commit his future to the Dutch heavyweights—provided the terms, including his wages, are right.
Entering the fray in the 66th minute against Atalanta on Thursday, the on-loan Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker broke the deadlock in the 87th minute before setting up Abdellah Ouazane during stoppage time to seal a 2-0 triumph at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The victory helped Ajax rebound after suffering an opening-round loss to Hajduk Split. The performance boosted Arokodare’s impressive record since arriving in Amsterdam, bringing his tally to six goals and two assists over nine fixtures.
During his post-game media session, a reporter suggested that Ajax might only need to trigger a rumoured €20 million valuation to keep him. Arokodare drew chuckles from the press room with a sharp reply: “And maybe increase my salary.”
Addressing the potential transfer more seriously, the 24-year-old left the business side to his parent and temporary clubs. “That’s between Ajax and Wolves; I can’t say anything about it. Tell that to Ajax,” he explained. However, he made his affection for the Dutch giants clear, stating, “Of course I’m open to it. I love it here. I’ve felt love here from day one.”
Any permanent switch will require navigating two major hurdles: negotiating a transfer sum with Wolves and meeting the player’s personal expectations. While the €20 million figure remains speculative rather than an established release clause, satisfying the wage demands of a Premier League-contracted forward could challenge Ajax’s salary structure.
Nonetheless, Arokodare’s timing could hardly be better. Delivering a late goal and an assist in continental competition provides substantial leverage should Ajax decide to negotiate. His surging form also bodes well on the international stage, giving Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle another potent attacking option behind undisputed starter Victor Osimhen.