Chuba Akpom has shed light on the decision that saw him turn down Birmingham City and commit his future to Ipswich Town, a move that has quickly become one of the talking points of the Championship season. The former Arsenal academy graduate, who has been in fine form since arriving at Portman Road, admitted that the choice was not easy but ultimately felt right for his career ambitions.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Akpom revealed that his decision was not solely about finances or contract length but about the long-term project Ipswich are building. “It wasn’t a case of disrespecting Birmingham or what they offered,” Akpom said. “I had conversations with their manager, and I could see what they were trying to do, but when Ipswich came in, everything just clicked for me. It felt like the perfect environment to take my game to the next level.”
Ipswich’s strong start to the campaign under Kieran McKenna has been one of the stories of the season, with the Tractor Boys playing an expansive brand of football that has impressed supporters and neutrals alike. Akpom admitted that McKenna’s tactical approach and personal touch were significant factors in his decision. “The gaffer really sold me on the vision here,” he explained. “He showed me clips of how I would fit into the system, the type of runs he wanted me to make, and the chances I’d get in this team. For a striker, that’s music to your ears.”
Akpom also highlighted the atmosphere at Portman Road as a decisive factor. “When I came to watch them play before signing, the stadium was bouncing. You could feel the connection between the players and the fans. As a footballer, you want to be part of something special like that.”
For Birmingham City, Akpom’s rejection was a bitter pill to swallow. The Blues had been keen to add proven firepower to their frontline and reportedly made a competitive offer. However, Akpom suggested that Ipswich’s ambition to challenge for promotion was the tipping point. “Ipswich are not just here to make up the numbers,” he said. “You can see from the recruitment and the way we train every day that everyone believes promotion is possible. That’s the kind of challenge I wanted to take on.”
Since making the switch, Akpom has hit the ground running, scoring crucial goals and quickly endearing himself to the Ipswich faithful. His work rate, link-up play, and ability to find the net have made him a key figure in McKenna’s side as they push for a place in the Premier League.
In football, transfers often come down to timing and opportunity, and Akpom’s choice is already looking like a smart one. Birmingham will continue their rebuild under their own project, but Ipswich seem to have landed a striker whose hunger matches their ambition. If current form is anything to go by, Akpom may have just made the career-defining decision that takes him back to the top flight — this time as one of the Championship’s most feared forwards
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