Wolves loanee fuels Ajax hopes with late Atalanta strike

Eight goals and three assists in just 13 games have seen Wolves loanee Tolu Arokodare become a key figure for Ajax, highlighted by his 87th‑minute winner against Atalanta in the Europa Conference League. The strike secured a vital European victory and cemented his growing popularity among the Dutch supporters.

Loan impact and rising profile

On a season‑long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 25‑year‑old Nigerian striker has already netted eight goals and supplied three assists in just 13 appearances for Ajax. Those figures eclipse the 38‑game spell he enjoyed with Wolves last term, where he failed to reach double‑digit goals. His dynamic play and outgoing personality have quickly won over the club’s supporters.

Arokodare’s impact was on full display against Atalanta, where he struck in the 87th minute to clinch the win for Ajax in the Europa Conference League. He then linked up with fellow forward Abdellah Ouazane, whose finish was described as “fantastic”, with Arokodare credited for the assist despite the goal ultimately being a solo effort. The late winner turned the tie into a crucial European triumph.

Ajax's European push and domestic ambitions

The victory helped Ajax recover from an opening‑day defeat to Hajduk Split and demonstrated that they can challenge favourites such as Atalanta in the competition. Club officials now view the Europa Conference League as a realistic trophy target, bolstered by the loanee’s contributions.

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When asked about the purchase option included in his loan deal, Arokodare laughed, “Tell that to Ajax… Of course I’m open. I love it here, I have felt the love from day one.” His comments underline the player’s desire to stay beyond the summer.

Ajax travel to Rotterdam to meet Sparta next, while their recent 5‑2 triumph over FC Groningen lifted them to fourth place in the Eredivisie, five points behind leaders Feyenoord. With PSV and Feyenoord clashing this weekend, a win on Sunday could narrow the gap to both title rivals.

Should Ajax activate the agreed purchase option, the deal would add to the growing trend of English clubs loaning young talent to continental sides for development. A permanent move would also give Wolves a potential future transfer fee, while reinforcing Ajax’s strategy of sourcing emerging forwards from abroad.