"I Didn't Sleep for Five Days" – Chuba Akpom Opens Up on Jaw-Dropping Saudi Offer That Never Happened
Nigerian striker Chuba Akpom has lifted the lid on the emotional rollercoaster he experienced after receiving a mouthwatering offer from a Saudi Pro League club—one that, quite literally, robbed him of sleep for five days.
The 29-year-old Ajax forward, speaking in a candid TikTok interview with LavieCutz, revealed that the massive deal came just before his transfer from Middlesbrough to Ajax in 2023.
“Before I signed for Ajax, I had an offer from Saudi and I didn’t sleep for five days,” Akpom confessed.
Though he did not name the Saudi club or the exact figures involved, the former Arsenal academy product made it clear: the money was life-changing.
🛍️ “Already Spending the Money in My Head”
Akpom's recount was both humorous and deeply relatable. He shared how he and his girlfriend, while vacationing at Disneyland, mentally mapped out purchases, dreams, and plans as though the money had already hit his account.
“My girlfriend and I were in Disneyland. We were thinking about the things we could get.”
It’s a moment many can relate to — the euphoria of an offer that seems too good to be true, followed by the harsh reality of watching it slip through your fingers.
💭 Opinion: Chuba Akpom’s Tale Is a Modern Footballer’s Dilemma
In a world where the Saudi Pro League has become the new Eldorado for both rising stars and aging legends, Akpom’s story highlights a growing tension between money and legacy.
It also raises an important question: What defines a successful football career today — the trophy cabinet or the bank account?
While Akpom eventually chose to chase European dreams at Ajax, the fact that the allure of Saudi riches haunted him for days is telling. For a striker who still dreams of breaking into the Super Eagles setup, the visibility and competition in Europe could outweigh short-term financial gain.
🇳🇬 A Striker Nigeria Shouldn’t Sleep On
With Nigeria always in need of proven goal-scorers, Akpom’s story is more than a transfer tale — it’s a reminder to the NFF that another dual-national gem is still eligible and hungry.
If he's bagging goals and fighting for minutes at a top European club, he deserves a look-in. The likes of Victor Osimhen can’t do it all alone.
📌 Final Thoughts
Chuba Akpom’s reflection was raw, funny, and painfully human. A mix of ambition, temptation, and what-ifs. He didn’t get the Saudi millions, but perhaps he gained something more: the clarity of where he truly wants his career to go.
🗣️ "You’re about to get a certain amount, but you don’t have it yet, but in your mind, you’re already spending it." – Chuba Akpom
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