Arokodare eyes UCL return with Ajax

New signing, Tolu Arokodare, has said that he is targeting a return to Europe’s biggest competition, the UEFA Champions League, with Dutch giants Ajax.

The 25-year-old striker joined Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer and has made a bright start to life in Amsterdam, although he is yet to make a start for the Dutch side.

The Nigeria international made the bold declaration while discussing Ajax’s ambitions for the 2026-27 season, despite the Amsterdam-based club currently battling through the UEFA Conference League play-offs.

“Ajax is of course the biggest club in the Dutch league. We know that as a team, as players, as football fans. Everyone knows that.

“With all due respect to the Conference League, but the Conference League is not where Ajax as a team wants to be. You want to play in the Champions League,” Arokodare told ESPN Netherlands.

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Although Champions League qualification remains Ajax’s long-term ambition, Arokodare stressed that the squad is fully focused on the immediate task of overcoming Swiss side FC Sion in the Conference League play-off.

“The most important goal this season is obviously to win matches, win the title and return to the right position. That means qualifying for the Champions League.

“For now we’re in the Conference League, and we’ll focus on what’s in front of us. Our job is to qualify and keep moving towards the position Ajax deserves,” the former KRC Genk striker added.

Meanwhile, Arokodare has already made an encouraging start at Ajax, contributing a goal and two assists in just four appearances.