Akpom, 30, spent the 2025-26 Championship season on loan at Portman Road, making 31 appearances across all competitions and scoring twice — including a goal in a 3-0 win over Oxford United on New Year's Day and a further strike against Hull City. He signed a three-year contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2029.
The fee is reported to be in the region of £7 million.
Ipswich confirmed in a statement on their official website that the permanent move was triggered during the course of the season after certain appearance criteria were met, rather than solely as a result of promotion.
"Ipswich Town can confirm Chuba Akpom will join the Blues on a permanent deal."
Ajax confirmed the transfer separately, describing the successful exercise of the purchase option included in the original loan agreement.
Akpom joined Ajax from Middlesbrough in 2023 but spent both seasons with the Dutch club out on loan, initially returning to England with Ipswich. He came through Arsenal's youth academy before spells at various clubs across England, Germany, Greece and Scotland.
Ipswich also announced the permanent signing of centre-back Cedric Kipre from Stade de Reims on the same day, with the 29-year-old Ivorian-born defender completing his move after making 32 Championship appearances. The club finished second in the Championship with 84 points, sealing automatic promotion on the final day with a 3-0 win over QPR.
Kieran McKenna's side will return to the Premier League for the second time in three seasons, having been relegated last May after a single campaign in the top flight.