Lille president Olivier Lentang is confident that the addition of Chuba Akpom will boost the team’s strength. The 29-year-old Nigerian-born striker joined the French Ligue 1 side on loan from Ajax until the season’s end, with an option for a permanent move.
Akpom completed his medical on Saturday before watching Lille’s 4-1 win over AS Saint-Etienne.
“It is with great pleasure that we announce the arrival of Chuba. We have been following him for a very long time, he has played in big clubs and he has experience in European competitions,” Lentang said.
“We had already wanted to bring him in the past but it had not been possible. Chuba is a striker capable of playing in different positions, in several positions on the front of the attack.”
Chuba Akpom, a former Arsenal Academy player, has scored eight goals this season for Ajax, including four in the Europa League. He will now compete in the Champions League after Lille’s qualification for the round of 16.
“He will bring complementary qualities to the current group so that we are even stronger. His human qualities will allow him to integrate very quickly into our squad. Chuba really pushed to join us and we are very happy that he is now part of the Dogues family,” Lentang added.
Akpom expressed excitement about joining the French club, Lille.
“I am very happy to be here,” Akpom said.
“LOSC is a big club, one of the best in France, which practices beautiful football and achieves great things in Europe and the league.”
Akpom, who will wear No. 24, joins Lille as a backup for Jonathan David, who has scored 20 goals and assisted eight. Described as technical, powerful, and impactful, Akpom previously played for Arsenal, Hull City, and Brighton. He may debut in Tuesday’s Coupe de France match.
