Chuba Akpom, in an exclusive interview with the Boro Breakdown Podcast, dropped his biggest hint yet about staying with Middlesbrough.

The star striker’s affection for the club and supporters seems to be steering him towards a continued stay, amidst speculation about his future.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Chuba Akpom of Middlesbrough celebrates victory following the Sky Bet Championship between Sheffield United and Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane on February 15, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 15: Chuba Akpom of Middlesbrough celebrates victory following the Sky Bet Championship between Sheffield United and Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane on February 15, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
  • Chuba Akpom hints at staying with Middlesbrough following a record-breaking season.
  • Akpom’s contract expires in 12 months amidst Premier League interest, but his recent comments indicate his intent to stay.
  • He speaks highly of his time at Middlesbrough and the role manager Michael Carrick played in his career turnaround.

Akpom fuels Middlesbrough stay rumours

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom (c) celebrates with team mates after scoring the opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship between Middlesbrough and Stoke City at Riverside Stadium on March 14, 2023 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND – MARCH 14: Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom (c) celebrates with team mates after scoring the opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship between Middlesbrough and Stoke City at Riverside Stadium on March 14, 2023 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

In an exclusive chat with the Boro Breakdown Podcast, Middlesbrough’s scoring sensation Chuba Akpom has dropped the biggest hint yet that he’s looking forward to another season with the club.

After an impressive record-breaking season that saw the former Arsenal youngster net 29 goals, it appears that the striker’s bond with the club and its supporters could convince him to stay.

A season to remember

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Chuba Akpom of Middlebrough celebrates after the Sky Bet Championship between Sheffield United and Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane on February 15, 2023. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Chuba Akpom of Middlebrough celebrates after the Sky Bet Championship between Sheffield United and Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane on February 15, 2023. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Akpom’s journey at Middlesbrough has been one for the books.

After being close to exiting the club last summer, he fought his way back to contention, becoming an integral part of the squad under the stewardship of manager Michael Carrick.

He won both the Boro Player of the Season award and the Championship Player of the Year award, also taking home the golden boot.

Unfinished business?

Chuba Akpom with the Championship Player of the Season award (Photo via EFL.com)
Chuba Akpom with the Championship Player of the Season award (Photo via EFL.com)

Despite his contract expiry looming in a year, and the speculation surrounding his possible exit due to Middlesbrough’s failure to secure Premier League promotion, Akpom’s recent sentiments might just hint towards his intention to stay.

Expressing his gratitude towards the club’s supporters, Akpom said, “The love just gives me the motivation to go and do the same thing again.”

Looking to the future

Chuba Akpom PFA Championship Fans' Player of the Month award for November (Photo via PFA on Twitter)
Chuba Akpom PFA Championship Fans’ Player of the Month award for November (Photo via PFA on Twitter)

Speaking on the potential of the team, Akpom stated his excitement about the coming season.

Acknowledging the impact of Carrick on the squad and expecting a few additions to the team, the star striker seems eager for another shot at the Championship title.

As Middlesbrough supporters hold their breath, Akpom’s sentiments suggest a continued stay at the Riverside.

His determination and anticipation for the next season could prove critical to Middlesbrough’s bid for Premier League promotion. As the summer transfer window approaches, the outcome remains to be seen.

Chuba Akpom at Arsenal

Arsenal's English forward Chuba Akpom celebrates after scoring during the friendly football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Ullevi stadium in Gothenburg on August 7, 2016. (Photo credit JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP/Getty Images)
Arsenal’s English forward Chuba Akpom celebrates after scoring during the friendly football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Ullevi stadium in Gothenburg on August 7, 2016. (Photo credit JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP/Getty Images)

Chuba Akpom began his football journey in the youth ranks at Arsenal, showcasing his immense potential from a young age.

Joining the Gunners at just six years old, Akpom quickly made a name for himself within the club’s academy, standing out for his speed, agility, and uncanny ability to find the back of the net.

Progressing through the youth ranks, he made his debut for the Arsenal U18 side at the tender age of 15, and his performances soon saw him promoted to the U23 squad. The young striker continued to impress at this level, and it was not long before he was knocking on the door of the first team.

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Lucas Perez (L) of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's third goal with Chuba Akpom of Arsenal during the EFL Cup Third Round match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at City Ground on September 20, 2016 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Lucas Perez (L) of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with Chuba Akpom of Arsenal during the EFL Cup Third Round match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at City Ground on September 20, 2016 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Akpom made his first senior appearance for Arsenal in September 2013 during a Premier League fixture against Sunderland, marking his debut aged 17.

While he didn’t manage to establish himself as a regular in the Arsenal first team, his involvement in the squad was seen as a testament to his potential.

However, during his time at Arsenal, Akpom was sent on several loan spells to clubs like Brentford, Coventry City, and Nottingham Forest.

Chuba Akpom
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Chuba Akpom of Arsenal celebrates after winning a penalty which lead to his sides second goal during the EFL Cup Third Round match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at City Ground on September 20, 2016 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

These moves aimed to give him regular game time and help him develop his skills further.

While he showed flashes of brilliance, he couldn’t quite replicate his youth team form consistently in the senior setup.

THUN, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 26: Gareth Southgate manager of England U21(R) shakes hands with Chuba Akpom as he leaves the pitch during the European Under 21 Qualifier match between Switzerland U21 and England U21 at Stockhorn Arena on March 26, 2016 in Thun, Switzerland. (Photo by Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images)
THUN, SWITZERLAND – MARCH 26: Gareth Southgate manager of England U21(R) shakes hands with Chuba Akpom as he leaves the pitch during the European Under 21 Qualifier match between Switzerland U21 and England U21 at Stockhorn Arena on March 26, 2016 in Thun, Switzerland. (Photo by Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images)

Eventually, in 2018, Akpom left Arsenal permanently to join Greek side PAOK. His time at Arsenal will always be remembered as the place where he developed his talent and took his first steps in professional football, providing a solid foundation for his career.

Despite not breaking into the first team permanently, Akpom’s development at Arsenal undeniably played a crucial role in shaping him as a player.