Chukwueze faces uncertain Milan future

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is currently facing an uncertain future at Italian Serie A side AC Milan, with reports linking him with a summer move following an underwhelming spell at the Giuseppe Meazza, news reports.

The 26-year-old Nigerian has been put on sale by the Rosonerri, as they source for some much-needed funds to facilitate a major squad rebuild ahead of next season.

Chukwueze, who arrived from Spanish La Liga outfit Villarreal in the summer of 2023, has struggled to establish himself as a regular due to injuries and limited playing time. The lack of consistency has seen the club’s hierarchy decide on his future, which is to do away with the attacker during the off-season.

Italian media outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Chukwueze is one of the prominent names expected to depart Lombardy ahead of a major overhaul, with Milan said to be willing to listen to offers.

Milan’s decision to sell stems from the fact that they endured an embarrassing 2024/25 campaign, in which they finished eighth on the Serie A table and ultimately missed out on European football for next season.

Chukwueze’s travails in his two seasons at Milan are well documented. He struggled to secure a starting berth last term, featuring in a total of 26 league appearances, of which he started only nine times and contributed three goals plus two assists.

Despite his low attacking returns, all is not gloomy for the Nigerian as Spanish La Liga outfit Real Betis have been rumoured to be interested in his services.

However, there seems to be a huge disparity in the valuation of the winger as Milan wants more money.

According to reports from One Football, the Spanish club’s current interest does not come close to matching the €21.1m fee, plus a potential €7m in bonuses, Milan paid to Villarreal for Chukwueze.

Talks with Manuel Pellegrino’s side regarding the 2019 AFCON bronze medal winner are still in their preliminary stages. Furthermore, the club is yet to receive satisfactory offers for other key squad members like Theo Hernandez.

As it stands, Chukwueze is left with three options in a bid to revive his fledgling career. He could opt for a return to the Spanish topflight ahead of next season, assuming negotiations with Betis end up successful.

A return to familiar surroundings could reignite the spark we saw when he laced up for Villarreal, which also saw him win the UEFA Europa League in 2021 at the expense of English Premier League outfit Manchester United.

Another option is to try out a new adventure in the famous Premier League. During the 2024/25 season, Chukwueze was linked with a winter transfer move to modest club Fulham last January, although nothing came out of those reports.

Lastly, Chukwueze could decide to remain with the Rosonerri if a summer move fails to materialise. Staying at the San Siro would mean having to fight for a starting shirt under returning manager Massimiliano Allegri, although it is said in some circles that the former Juventus gaffer does not fancy the Nigerian. Nonetheless, that could change if Chukwueze puts in the work and wins his spot in the team. It may look suicidal for his career but it is a chance worth taking.