Samuel Chukwueze, once hailed as one of Africa’s brightest football talents, has found himself in a challenging situation at AC Milan. Since his high-profile transfer from Villarreal in the summer of 2023 for €20 million plus bonuses, the Nigerian winger has struggled to live up to expectations at the San Siro.
In the current 2024/2025 season, Chukwueze has made 34 appearances in all competitions but started only 12 of those games. His contribution has been modest, with 5 goals and just 2 assists, a far cry from the impact he had at Villarreal. At Villarreal, Chukwueze was a key player, known for his pace and creativity, and helped the club win the UEFA Europa League in 2021. He also earned individual accolades such as the Best African Player award in La Liga and was nominated for the Kopa Trophy in 2019.
At Milan, however, Samuel Chukwueze has struggled to find space and confidence in Serie A’s more tactical and physical environment. His style, which flourished in Spain’s La Liga, has not translated well to Italy, where he appears one-dimensional and less effective. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, including a 95th-minute winner against Parma, he has failed to secure a regular starting spot, with 3 goals scored, all at home, and a single assist.
During the winter transfer window, Fulham expressed strong interest in signing Chukwueze, seeing him as a potential boost to their attacking options. Talks between Milan and Fulham reached advanced stages, with a proposed deal worth around €12-15 million, but ultimately the move collapsed on deadline day due to unresolved issues. Now, with Milan ready to part ways with the winger, reports suggest that Fulham and the Rossoneri are reopening negotiations to finalise a transfer in the upcoming summer window.
A move to Fulham could represent a fresh start for Chukwueze. The Premier League club, aiming to strengthen their attack, might offer him the regular playing time and confidence he needs to revive his career. Not to mention that he will be playing alongside fellow Nigerian international Alex Iwobi. Fulham’s style and the competitive nature of the Premier League could suit his pace and direct approach, potentially helping him regain the form that made him a star at Villarreal.