Technical director Jordi Cruijff has insisted they have everything already planned to sign striker Tolu Arokodare on a permanent basis from Wolves.
The striker joined the Dutch side on loan in the summer after a contentious final few weeks at Molineux. The deal includes an option for Ajax to buy him permanently for around €20m.
That figure has ended up looking like something of a potential bargain in the early months of the season as he has impressed in the Netherlands.
Arokodare currently sits on 10 goals in 15 games in all competitions this season. That includes the winner in the 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar over the weekend.
Permanent transfer encouraged
The striker has, quite literally, been winning friends wherever he goes and certainly not alienating like he allegedly did at Wolves.
Ajax have been encouraged to buy him in a heartbeat, and reports in the Netherlands have indicated that talks are already underway.
The big question is whether Ajax can afford the €20m. Some have reported that the fee could be too much for them in their current guise.
On the face of it, that would make sense. They already paid €20m to sign Marcos Leonardo last summer. In fact, Ajax have only paid €20m or more for a player six times in their history. So, it is a big fee for them any way you look at it.
Ajax fight back
Cruijff appears to be more than aware of those reports. But he insists that everything is already sorted regarding a permanent deal with Wolves.
“Everything is already arranged—the salary, too,” he told Ziggo Sport, via Voetbal Nieuws.
“Though he did ask for a pay raise during a recent press conference. He’s doing well. I recall that when we brought him in, there was a lot of chatter about him coming from a relegated side—that sort of talk, you know.
“He has a good mentality and is a team player. That’s important. I hope he keeps it up.”
Whether that’s an indication from Cruijff that a deal is already done, remains to be seen. But the prospects are looking good. And if Arokodare continues to score and impress as he has, it might become a case of when not if that clause is activated.
