Samuel Chukwueze’s dream move to AC Milan has not quite gone according to script.
When the Super Eagles winger arrived at the San Siro in the summer of 2023, expectations were high. He had just come off a fine spell with Villarreal in Spain, and was widely regarded as one of the brightest African talents in Europe.
But fast-forward to the present, and it’s been a frustrating back to back campaign for the 25-year-old. With only eight goals and four assists in 65 appearances across all competitions, Chukwueze has struggled for both form and regular minutes. Despite working under three different managers, he has failed to secure a consistent starting role.
With AC Milan looking to restructure their squad especially with the club in danger of missing out on UEFA Champions League football, The Super Eagles star appears to be one of the players likely to be moved on to free up funds.
The question now is: where next for the Chukwueze?
The sensible
Villarreal, Aston Villa
A return to Villarreal feels like a natural option. Chukwueze made his professional breakthrough with the Yellow Submarine, winning the UEFA Europa League in 2021 under Unai Emery.
During his time in Spain, he also earned the Best African Player award in LaLiga and was nominated for the Kopa Trophy in 2019.
The Spanish top tier suits his style of play, and Villarreal remains a familiar, welcoming environment where he is likely to hit the ground running.
Another logical destination would be Aston Villa, currently managed by Emery. The Spaniard was a strong admirer of Chukwueze during their time together in Spain and reportedly pushed for a January reunion in England.
Though the move didn’t materialise, Villa’s attacking setup and Emery’s system could offer him the platform to revive his career.
The idealistic
Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur
Fulham have emerged as a strong possibility in recent months. The London club is in need of a left-footed winger, and Chukwueze’s style fits Marco Silva’s attacking blueprint.
With compatriots Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey already in the squad, integration could be seamless.
The Cottagers are pushing for a top-half finish and could even secure European qualification (the Europa League or the Conference League), an enticing prospect for a player looking for a fresh start.
Tottenham Hotspur are another club who previously explored a move for Chukwueze. While Spurs are facing managerial and European competition uncertainty, they remain short of options on the right wing, particularly left-footed players who can cut inside.
If the North-London side return for him in the summer, the move would offer Premier League football without the overwhelming expectations of bigger clubs.
The cynical
Saudi Pro League
There’s also the possibility of a move to Saudi Arabia. According to multiple reports, Chukwueze previously turned down offers from Saudi clubs in favour of proving himself at Milan.
However, with his current struggles and Milan now open to letting him go for around €13–18 million, he may be more open to considering the option.
Offers exceeding €10 million per year are reportedly still on the table, and a move could offer a confidence boost as well as financial security.
Former Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins has even suggested that such a move might be just what Chukwueze needs to get his career back on track.
