While many in football circles have hailed the ascendance of Akpom after his prolific spell with Middlesbrough, his former manager Neil Warnock has offered a rather unexpected take on his departure.

• Chuba Akpom, formerly of Arsenal, completes a £12.2 million transfer from Middlesbrough to Ajax.
• Neil Warnock, Akpom’s former manager, voices reservations about the striker’s potential role at Ajax.
• Akpom’s impressive tally of 29 goals in the 2022/23 campaign played a crucial part in securing his move to the Dutch league giants.

Neil Warnock, who observed Akpom’s talent first-hand while at the helm of Middlesbrough, is unsure about Ajax’s plans to deploy the 27-year-old in a striking role.

Akpom’s journey in professional football has been nothing short of intriguing. Emerging from the esteemed Arsenal academy, he made a dozen appearances for the Gunners’ senior squad.

In search of consistent playing time, the forward ventured to Greece, joining PAOK, before making a return to English shores with Middlesbrough in 2020.

The striker’s stint in Greece revitalised his career, scoring 11 times in 52 matches during a season with PAOK. This seemed to provide the confidence boost he needed, for upon his return to England, Akpom found the back of the net 28 times in the league and once against Brighton in the FA Cup.

His recent form caught the attention of Dutch heavyweights Ajax, and a £12.2 million transfer was finalised last week.

Akpom’s success under the guidance of Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough, where he played predominantly as a No.10, culminated in the club securing a play-off spot, even though they were subsequently edged out by Coventry.

Warnock’s remarks post the transfer were forthright, as is often the case with the veteran manager.

Reflecting on Akpom’s move, he remarked, “Good luck to him. I like Michael, I think he’s done a good job. To get £12.2 million for Chuba is a bloody miracle. I hope Ajax haven’t bought him to play up front because he’ll be back in England or somewhere else next year.”

The forward, who witnessed mixed fortunes in his initial spell at Middlesbrough, scoring five goals in 40 games, will now have his sights set on making an impactful debut for Ajax in their upcoming Europa League play-off clash against Ludogorets.

As for Warnock, he is currently in charge of Huddersfield Town who have drawn one and lost three of their opening four matches this season.