Ajax are prepared to make Tolu Arokodare’s stay in Amsterdam permanent, with technical director Jordi Cruyff confirming that all the details of a reported €20m purchase option have already been agreed with Wolverhampton Wanderers, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Speaking on Ziggo Sport’s Rondo on Monday evening, Cruyff said the Dutch giants only need to exercise the option in 2027 to secure the Nigerian striker’s long-term future.
“Everything is already sorted. His salary too. But he did ask for a pay rise at the press conference recently,” Cruyff joked.
Arokodare joined Ajax in the summer following a difficult spell at Wolves, who reportedly paid £24m to sign him less than 12 months earlier.
The striker struggled to make an impression at Molineux and was reportedly involved in a disagreement with new head coach Cesar Peixoto before his departure.
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However, Cruyff is pleased with the 25-year-old’s adaptation to life in Amsterdam, praising his mentality and contribution to the team.
“He’s doing well. I remember that when we brought him in, there was a lot of talk about him coming from a relegation side and all that chatter.
“But Tolu has settled in well. He has a good mentality and is a team player. That’s important. I hope he keeps it up, although strikers have their ups and downs,” he said.
The Nigerian has made an encouraging start to life at Ajax, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists in 16 appearances.
Arokodare’s growing influence has also seen him preferred to Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo, despite Ajax investing €20m in the latter. Leonardo came off the bench after an hour against AZ, with Arokodare again leading the attack.
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Source: Punch · Abiodun Adewale
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