Former Arsenal midfielder Tim Akinola’s career has seen several twists, with one of the most notable being his brief and challenging stint in Saudi Arabia.

After leaving Arsenal without making a senior appearance, Akinola’s journey took him across different leagues and countries, including a brief tenure in the Saudi Pro League.

Tim Akinola playing for Chesterfield FC (Photo via Chesterfield FC on Twitter)
Tim Akinola playing for Chesterfield FC (Photo via Chesterfield FC on Twitter)

Tim Akinola joined Arsenal in August 2020 after being released by Huddersfield Town.

Known for his defensive work rate and ball-winning abilities, Akinola became a regular in Arsenal’s U23 squad. Despite making over 40 appearances for Arsenal’s academy, he never broke into the first team.

To gain first-team experience, Akinola was sent on loan to Dundee United in January 2023 and later to Chesterfield FC for the 2022/23 season.

CHESTERFIELD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Sam Hoskins of Northampton Town is held by Tim Akinola of Chesterfieldas he attempts to move forward with the ball during the Emirates FA Cup First Round match between Chesterfield and Northampton Town at Technique Stadium on November 05, 2022 in Chesterfield, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
CHESTERFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Sam Hoskins of Northampton Town is held by Tim Akinola of Chesterfieldas he attempts to move forward with the ball during the Emirates FA Cup First Round match between Chesterfield and Northampton Town at Technique Stadium on November 05, 2022 in Chesterfield, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

During his loan at Chesterfield, Akinola made 31 appearances and was a crucial part of the team that reached the National League promotion final, only to lose on penalties to Notts County.

Despite Chesterfield’s interest in signing him permanently, the deal fell through after they failed to achieve promotion to League Two. Instead, Akinola made a surprising move to Al-Batin FC in the Saudi Arabian Pro League in July 2023.

Akinola’s time in Saudi Arabia was brief, lasting just four months. Several factors likely contributed to his quick departure. Adapting to life in the Middle East posed significant challenges, especially for a young player without extensive first-team experience in Europe.

The cultural differences, the harsh climate, and the intensity of the Saudi Pro League may have all played a role in his decision to leave. Additionally, Akinola struggled with playing time, only playing seven matches (532 minutes) before he left the club.

By January 2024, and now a free agent, Akinola was looking to return to Europe.

He went on trial with Hartlepool United and was linked with a move to MFK Karviná in the Czech Republic, but both deals fell through.

Eventually, Akinola rejoined Chesterfield FC on a permanent basis on July 1, 2024, signing a one-year deal with an option for a second year.

Akinola expressed his delight at returning to Chesterfield, stating, “When the gaffer called me, I just said, ‘Yeah. I want to come back’. I loved it here when I played here on loan and it’s just really good to be back. It just feels like home”.

However, it wasn’t long before he was off again, being sent on loan to Dagenham & Redbridge just before the current transfer window closed, weeks after Chesterfield had re-signed him.