Arokodare's Loan Status Affects His Playing Time

Former Netherlands midfielder Theo Janssen said Tolu Arokodare’s loan status might be why the Nigeria striker does not always start for Ajax.

Janssen spoke on Ziggo Sport’s Rondo programme. He suggested that Arokodare has a disadvantage compared to Marcos Leonardo, who Ajax signed on a permanent deal.

He raised a question about whether the money spent on Leonardo affects the coach’s choices.
“It has to do with money that he does not always play,” Janssen said, as quoted by Headtopics.

“Tolu is on loan, and Leonardo was bought. Do you think the trainer decides this?”

Janssen believes Arokodare should be playing more. He praised him as both a player and a person, saying, “He is a nice guy when you hear him talk. He is strong and can score a goal. He is just a good player.”

Arokodare has scored nine goals and provided three assists in 14 matches for Ajax across all competitions. He scored the winning goal in the 2-1 victory at Sparta Rotterdam on October 25. He reached a milestone of 100 career goals against Atalanta on October 22.

The 25-year-old joined Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolves on July 29 after a tough first season at Molineux.

Reports say Ajax are covering his full wages and a loan fee. There are extra payments linked to European qualification. The deal also includes an option to buy him, reported to be about €22m.

Arokodare is said to be open to a permanent move if his salary is adjusted, and Ajax also want to keep him for the long term.