Samuel Chukwueze's future at AC Milan has taken a dramatic turn after new head coach Rúben Amorim made it clear that the Nigerian winger is staying at the Italian club, Soccernet.ng reports.
Chukwueze had been strongly linked with a permanent exit from San Siro after returning from a season-long loan at Premier League side Fulham. Fulham and Turkish giants Trabzonspor pushed hard to sign the Super Eagles winger, but both transfer pursuits have now collapsed. Even Bologna and Fiorentina have both been credited with interest in Chukwueze.
Speaking during his first official press conference at Casa Milan alongside club owner Gerry Cardinale, Amorim ended all speculation over the Nigerian's future.
“Chukwueze will stay with us,” Amorim said as per PianetaMilan. “We need players who know how to play 1-on-1 and he is capable of that. Saelemaekers too, he can play on the right or left.
“It doesn't matter where they come from. If they train well and have the right characteristics, we'll find them a place. Before looking outside, let's look inside. Then we'll understand, paying attention to the budget. We want to do things well and choose the right players.”
The statement marks a complete change in Milan's position. Earlier in the summer, the club had been open to selling Chukwueze as part of plans to raise transfer funds. However, Amorim's arrival has changed that approach completely.
The Portuguese coach, who previously managed Sporting CP and Manchester United before taking charge at Milan, believes Chukwueze possesses qualities that cannot easily be replaced. His ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations fits perfectly into Amorim's preferred tactical systems, including the 3-4-3 and 3-4-2-1 formations.
Rather than spending heavily on new signings, Amorim wants to carefully assess players already at the club, especially those returning from loan spells. Chukwueze has become one of the biggest beneficiaries of that strategy.
The 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in 63 appearances across all competitions since joining AC Milan. During his debut 2023/24 season under Stefano Pioli, he struggled for regular starts behind Christian Pulisic but still produced two important UEFA Champions League group-stage goals.
He improved in the 2024/25 campaign, becoming more productive in Serie A and the Coppa Italia with five domestic goals. Last season, he made just one Serie A appearance before joining Fulham on loan, where he rediscovered confidence by contributing three goals and four assists in 23 appearances.
With AC Milan's pre-season beginning on July 13, Chukwueze is now expected to report back as an important member of Amorim's squad.
Chukwueze: Fulham and Trabzonspor miss out as Milan closes the door
Fulham and Trabzonspor both made serious attempts to keep or sign Chukwueze permanently, but neither club managed to convince AC Milan or the player.
Fulham enjoyed Chukwueze's performances during his loan spell. Besides scoring three goals and providing four assists, the Nigerian also built a close friendship with fellow Super Eagles stars Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey.
The London club had a €26 million option to buy him permanently as part of the loan agreement. Although Chukwueze openly admitted that he would have liked to remain in England, Fulham decided not to activate the clause.
Instead, the Premier League side tried negotiating a lower transfer fee with Milan, but the two clubs could not reach an agreement, forcing Chukwueze to return to Italy.
Trabzonspor then emerged as the strongest contender, making the Nigerian one of their priority targets ahead of the new Turkish Super Lig season and Europa League campaign.
The Turkish club submitted a formal €15 million offer to AC Milan, hoping to complete the transfer quickly. However, the proposal was rejected for two major reasons.
First, Chukwueze himself declined the move because he wanted to continue playing in one of Europe's top five leagues and fight for his place at AC Milan. Milan also rejected the bid after Amorim informed the club that the winger remained part of his plans.
The new coach believes Chukwueze's pace, dribbling ability and tactical flexibility give Milan valuable attacking options throughout a long season that will include Serie A, domestic cup competitions and European football.
As a result, both Fulham's hopes of keeping the Nigerian and Trabzonspor's ambitious transfer plan have come to an end.
Instead of leaving San Siro, Chukwueze now has a fresh opportunity to revive his AC Milan career under a manager who has publicly expressed confidence in his qualities before the new campaign has even begun.
