BY ANDREW EKEJIUBA
Super Eagles hopeful, Chuba Akpom, is in a race against time for his much anticipated move to Besiktas as his maiden competitive game of the 2021-2022 season for Middlesbrough seems to be shaky.
Turkish champions Besiktas has already offered Middlesbrough Two Million Euros for the striker at the weekend.
Akpom also has agreed personal terms with Besiktas as he is eager to play in the UEFA Champions League, but has to wait to know his fate from Middlesbrough.
English Championship side, Middlesbrough, are expecting a fee of between three and four Million Euros, but Besiktas president has hinted they won’t cough out more than two Million Euros.
The Point learnt that the number 10 shirt worn by the star performer at Middlesbrough has been taken off him and handed to new signing Martin Payero, a member of Argentina’s squad to the 2020 Olympic Games amid Besiktas link.
Akpom has now selected number 19 for the upcoming season, a number he last wore during a loan spell at Hull City in the 2015-2016 season.
The Arsenal Academy product has been linked with a departure from Boro this summer, with Turkish giants Besiktas mentioned as a possible destination.
Akpom totaled 39 appearances for Middlesbrough last season, scoring five goals and collecting two assists.
Another Nigerian striker in Uche Ikpeazu, a summer signing from Wycombe Wanderers, is Boro’s new number 9, inheriting the jersey worn by Britt Assombalonga since the summer of 2017.
Former Flying Eagles winger, Sammy Ameobi, will be wearing the number 21 kit.
