"A very difficult proposition" – Wolves may need to lower demands to get rid of player

Ajax exploring permanent deal for loanee Arokodare but €20m option may strain their finances unless they qualify for Champions League.

Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare is impressing on loan at Ajax and the Dutch club has begun negotiations over a permanent transfer. The deal includes a €20m option to buy, which Ajax appear keen to exercise given his strong performances in Amsterdam.

However, Ajax's financial situation presents a significant obstacle. The fee represents a major outlay for the club—they have only paid €20m or more for a player six times in their history. This summer they needed to sell Sean Steur to Newcastle (€24m) and Mika Godts to PSG (€45m) to fund Marcos Leonardo's €20m arrival, and Leonardo is already struggling to displace Arokodare in the starting lineup.

Journalist Johan Inan told the AD Voetbalpodcast that exercising the option would be "a very difficult proposition," particularly if Ajax fail to qualify for the Champions League. Even qualification might not be enough without a significant stretch of their transfer budget. Wolves may need to lower their demands in January if they want to complete the sale.