Ajax unveil giant striker Tolu Arokodare before Vojvodina tie

Ajax host FK Vojvodina tonight in the Conference League preliminary round, with Kasper Dolberg leading the attack, while the Amsterdammers have just secured a new number 9 on loan – 25‑year‑old Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare, who stands 1.97 metres tall.

On Wednesday afternoon the club officially presented Tolu Arokodare of Wolverhampton Wanderers inside the Johan Cruijff Arena, confirming the loan signing.

‑presentator Sam van Royen turned to analyst Jan van Halst and said, "I don't know if you've seen photos of the new striker, Tolu, but he's 1.97 metres… I don't want to know what his muscle mass is in kilos. He's huge! How will that fit into this Ajax?".

Jan van Halst replied, "Yes, that's a beast!" He added that the player is of extra value when the team is defending, allowing more opportunistic play, and noted that Arokodare does not participate much in build‑up but occupies two defenders, making opponents uncomfortable.

He continued, "It looks a bit like the Weghorst role, although he also played regularly for Ajax. So it's not just pinch‑hitting. You simply need two very good strikers. Swapping one for the other is, of course, very unsettling for the opponent when they face a completely different type of striker.".

Ajax coach Míchel confirmed the squad now contains four forwards and said, "Yes, we currently have four strikers in the selection. Obviously Tolu is a signing that improves us on many aspects of the game.".

He elaborated, "I think about wing crosses and counters. He is a very powerful player and the team benefits from having alternatives besides Leonardo, Dolberg and Konadu. Of course they can also play together. All players, if they are good, can play together.".

The arrival of the towering forward adds a new dimension to Ajax's attacking options as they prepare to face Vojvodina, with Dolberg still spearheading the line and the club eager to see how Arokodare integrates into the system.