Tag: Chuba Akpom

Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier has revealed the outstanding attributes of Nigerian attacker, Chuba Akpom, which he said, can be advantageous to the  French club.

Akpom, who joined the French Ligue 1 side from Ajax during the winter transfer window, has made an immediate impact, scoring two goals in his last two matches.

Chevalier expressed his admiration for Akpom’s adaptability on the field.

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“I’m happy for him [Chuba Akpom]. He plays in the same position as Jonathan, but he has a different profile,” Chevalier said. “He can even play on the wing. He’s faster, more into dribbling, and more aggressive in his play, whereas Jonas [David] is more of a player who positions himself well and finishes.”

The Lille shot-stopper also highlighted the new dimension Akpom brings to the squad.

“He can play a slightly off-centre role. He has impressive power and serves as a useful option for long balls—something we didn’t have before. We can feel the added value he brings to the team,” Chevalier added.

Since his arrival, Akpom has quickly become a key figure for Lille as they continue their push in the French top flight.

President of Lille Olivier Letang is delighted to have acquired the services of Nigerian forward, Chuba Akpom.

Letang who ensured  the deal  was pulled off, exuded confidence that  Akpom would make the former French Ligue One champions stronger and more competitive.

Akpom, formerly of Arsenal, joined Lille on loan just before the end of the transfer window from Dutch Eredivisie side Ajax Amsterdam and the club’s supremo can’t contain his joy having sealed the move of a proven striker until the end of the season at least.

He  emphasized that Lille has been closely monitoring Akpom for quite some time and that they quickly did a follow up immediately they got wind of his intention to join them.

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“It is with great pleasure that we announce Chuba’s arrival. We have been following him for a long time. He has played for top clubs and gained valuable experience in European competitions,” Letang told the club’s official website.

 “We had previously tried to sign him, but it wasn’t possible at that time. Chuba is a versatile forward who can play in various positions across the attack.

“He will add complementary qualities to our squad, making us even stronger. His personal qualities will also help him integrate quickly into our team. Chuba was very eager to join us, and we are delighted to have him as part of the Dogues family.”

Akpom played 32 games for Ajax in all competitions scoring 11 goals and making one assist in the ongoing season.

English forward Chuba Akpom has gone on loan from Ajax to injury-hit Lille with an option to buy, the French Ligue 1 club has announced.

“The versatile English striker signed up today as part of a loan (with option to buy) until the end of the 24-25 season,” the northern French outfit said.

Akpom, 29, comes in as backup for Canadian striker Jonathan David, who has scored 20 goals and set up another eight in all competitions this season.

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Described as a “technical, hard-working, powerful and an impactful striker (1m83)” by the club, the Londoner started his career at Arsenal without making his mark on the Gunners, who loaned him to several English clubs including Hull City and Brighton.

He also played for PAOK Salonika and Middlesbrough.

His arrival comes as Lille – fourth in Ligue 1 – have been hit by injuries including midfielder Edon Zhegrova and forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, although coach Bruno Genesio had been targeting more of a winger profile.

 “The worst thing is to buy for the sake of buying,” Genesio had said. “It really has to be a player who fits into the principles of the game, and who is in the spirit of this group.”