Dutch giants Ajax have completed the signing of Nigerian international striker Tolu Arokodare from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan, with the 25-year-old successfully completing his medical before being officially unveiled, Trybal News reports.
The towering 1.97-metre forward will wear the iconic No. 99 shirt in Amsterdam after Ajax reached an agreement with Wolves on a deal that includes a paid loan fee, full salary coverage by the Eredivisie club and an option to make the move permanent for around €20 million at the end of the season. The agreement also contains performance-related bonuses linked to Ajax’s qualification for European competitions.
Ajax’s sporting director Jordi Cruyff, who played a key role in securing the transfer, believes Arokodare will add a new dimension to the club’s attack.
Tolu is a player with a profile we did not yet have. He is going to make a big contribution to Ajax next season,” Cruyff told the club’s official website.
A visibly delighted Arokodare described the move as the fulfilment of a childhood dream.
It is a great feeling to be an Ajax player. I have known the club since I was little.”
The Super Eagles striker admitted he never expected the opportunity to represent one of Europe’s most decorated clubs.
I could never have imagined that I would play here. Everyone knows this club. In Nigeria, nobody watches the Eredivisie, but everyone knows Ajax.”
He added that he initially thought the approach was too good to be true.
When my agent said Ajax were interested, I thought he was joking. I immediately thought: I want this. It is the biggest club in the Netherlands and one of the biggest in Europe.”
The move offers Arokodare the chance to revive his career after a difficult debut campaign in England. Having joined Wolves from Belgian side Genk in 2025, the Nigerian scored six goals in 38 appearances as the club suffered relegation from the Premier League. His future at Molineux had been the subject of intense speculation throughout the summer, with reported interest from Fiorentina and Trabzonspor before Ajax won the race for his signature.
Ajax identified Arokodare as their priority attacking target, with his physical presence, aerial ability and hold-up play expected to provide a different attacking option as the Amsterdam club prepares to compete domestically and in Europe during the 2026/27 season.
