Middlesbrough FC advancing in shock Birmingham City, Ajax transfer hijack | OneFootball

Middlesbrough are reportedly hoping to hijack Birmingham City's move for Ajax striker Chuba Akpom.

Middlesbrough are reportedly in advanced talks to re-sign Chuba Akpom from Ajax as they look to hijack Birmingham City's move for the striker.

That's according to The Northern Echo, who claim that Middlesbrough have put together an "attractive deal" as they attempt to convince Akpom to snub Birmingham's advances and make a shock return to the Riverside Stadium.

It had looked as though Akpom was heading to St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, and Sky Sports reported on Sunday morning that the newly-promoted Blues were closing in on a season-long loan deal for the striker, with an obligation to buy if they were promoted to the Premier League.

It was even claimed that Akpom was due to fly to the Midlands today to complete his medical with Birmingham and finalise the paperwork on the switch, but in a surprise twist, it seems Boro have now entered the race for his signature.

Akpom scored a stunning 29 goals in 42 games as Boro reached the Championship play-offs under Michael Carrick in the 2022-23 season before departing for Ajax in a deal worth up to £12.2 million, but he could now be on his way back to Teesside.

Middlesbrough in advanced talks to hijack Chuba Akpom, Birmingham City deal

Akpom joined Middlesbrough from PAOK for a fee of £2.75 million in September 2020, but he endured a frustrating first few years at the Riverside Stadium, and he was loaned back to the Greek side for the 2021-22 season.

In fact, Akpom fell so far out of favour on Teesside that he was not even given a squad number by then-manager Chris Wilder at the start of the 2022-23 campaign, but he was soon given an opportunity due to the club's shortage of options in the forward areas, and he took his chance with both hands.

Akpom thrived after being moved into a number 10 role by Carrick, and he led Boro's charge up the table under the former Manchester United midfielder, with his 29-goal haul including four braces and one hat-trick.

However, Akpom's goals dried up towards the end of the campaign, and after Boro missed out on promotion following their play-off semi-final defeat to Coventry City, he made a big-money move to Ajax in the summer of 2023.

Akpom has scored a respectable 23 goals in 68 appearances for Ajax, but he failed to nail down a regular place in the starting line-up at the Johan Cruyff Arena, and he spent the second half of last season on loan at French outfit Lille, where he netted three goals in 16 games.

It seems Akpom does not have a future with the Dutch giants, but while it looked as though he was initially set to make a return to English football with ambitious Championship newcomers Birmingham, Boro are making a last-gasp bid to re-sign their former talisman.

Boro have made two new signings so far this summer, with Alfie Jones and Abdoulaye Kante arriving from Hull City and Troyes respectively, while they are also believed to be closing in on a £3.5 million deal for Blackburn Rovers defender Callum Brittain, and it appears they are now pushing to bring Akpom back to the club.

Chuba Akpom facing big dilemma amid Middlesbrough and Birmingham City interest

Given Akpom's prolific form during his last season at Championship level, it is no surprise that he is attracting interest from the second tier this summer, but the striker has a big decision to make as Middlesbrough and Birmingham battle for his signature.

The Blues have already made seven signings so far this summer following their promotion from League One, including bringing in Rennes forward Kyogo Furuhashi in a deal worth up to £10 million, and with owner Tom Wagner making it clear that the club are targeting back-to-back promotions in the upcoming season, he could be tempted to become part of their exciting project.

As things stand, Boro's promotion prospects do not look to be quite as strong as Birmingham's, but Akpom formed a strong emotional connection with supporters during his previous spell at the Riverside Stadium, and that could be a factor in his decision as he weighs up his next move.