Ajax in Race Against Time to Register Arokodare
Ajax have the striker they wanted. Now they just need the paperwork to keep up.
On Wednesday afternoon, the club filed the application for Tolu Arokodare’s work permit, according to De Telegraaf. The timing is tight enough for journalist Mike Verweij to call it “a race against the clock”, and he’s not exaggerating.
Ajax are already halfway through their first major hurdle of the season. A 1-4 away win over FK Vojvodina has one and a half feet in the next round of the Conference League qualifier. On Thursday, at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, they can finish the job. Once that tie is officially wrapped up, the administrative sprint really begins.
For the next qualifying round, against either Shelbourne or Nomme Kalju, Ajax must submit a fresh squad list to UEFA by Wednesday evening, 5 August, at the latest. Inside the club, the hope is simple: by then, Arokodare’s name is on that sheet.
Jordi Cruyff will be watching the calendar as closely as he watches the training pitch. The director knows that every day without the work permit is a day lost. If the green light comes in time, Ajax intend to register the Nigerian immediately for the next European qualifier. No delay, no easing-in period. Straight into the squad.
And Europe is only half the story.
Coach Míchel wants the 1.97-metre forward available for the Eredivisie opener as well. Ajax start their league campaign away to PEC Zwolle on Sunday 9 August, and the plan is clear: have Arokodare in contention from day one.
To make that possible, Ajax must complete his registration with the KNVB by 12.00pm on Friday 7 August at the latest. Inside the club, the message is to get those formalities done with room to spare, so Míchel can use him immediately if he chooses. Up front, Arokodare will walk straight into a battle for minutes with Marcos Leonardo, the Brazilian signed from Al-Hilal for just under twenty million euros. It is a duel that could define Ajax’s attacking hierarchy this season.
Wednesday also brought the final confirmation of Arokodare’s move from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Ajax have taken the striker on a one-season loan, paying a modest fee and securing an option to buy set at twenty million euros. For a club that has been rebuilding piece by piece, it is a calculated gamble on size, presence and potential.
The deal is done. The strategy is clear. Now, with key deadlines looming in Europe and at home, Ajax wait to see if bureaucracy will let their new number lead the line when it matters most.
