Super Eagles star weighs up Real Betis, Celta Vigo options

Samuel Chukwueze's representatives are actively working to secure him a return to Spanish football before the summer transfer window closes, Soccernet.ng understands.

The 27-year-old has returned to Milan after spending last season on loan at Premier League club Fulham. Although the Super Eagles star showed flashes of his quality in England, Fulham decided not to activate the option to sign him permanently, sending him back to the San Siro ahead of the new campaign.

Rather than pushing for another move to England, Chukwueze's camp has shifted its attention to Spain, where he enjoyed the best football of his career with Villarreal, according to Fichajes. His representatives have already approached La Liga clubs with Real Betis and Celta Vigo among his known, long-term admirers. It is hoped that the winger can rediscover the form that once made him one of La Liga's most dangerous attackers.

AC Milan are willing to listen to offers, but the Italian giants are not prepared to let the Nigerian leave cheaply. The Rossoneri prefer a permanent sale but insist interested clubs must meet their valuation, making negotiations far from straightforward.

Spanish interest in Chukwueze extends beyond Real Betis and Celta Vigo. Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad have also previously monitored situation of the Super Eagles winger and made enquiries over the possibility of either a loan or permanent transfer.

Spain remains the player's preferred destination for good reason. After joining Villarreal from Diamond Football Academy in 2017 following his standout performances at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Chukwueze quickly rose through the club's ranks. He scored four goals in 20 appearances for Villarreal B before making his senior debut in the UEFA Europa League in September 2018.

Just weeks later, he announced himself in La Liga by scoring against Rayo Vallecano. His explosive pace, fearless dribbling and trademark left foot quickly earned comparisons with Dutch great Arjen Robben.

Over six memorable seasons at Villarreal, Chukwueze played 207 senior matches, scored 37 goals and established himself as a top winger in Liga. In league action alone, he registered 155 appearances, 21 goals and 14 assists.

His biggest achievements came on Europe's biggest stages. During the 2020/21 campaign under Unai Emery, he helped Villarreal lift the UEFA Europa League for the first time in club history after defeating Manchester United on penalties in Gdańsk.

A year later, he produced one of the defining moments of Villarreal's modern history. Coming off the bench against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Allianz Arena, Chukwueze scored an 88th-minute equaliser that sent the Spanish side into the semi-finals.

His finest individual season followed in 2022/23 under Quique Setién. The Nigerian produced career-best numbers with 13 goals and 11 assists across all competitions. One of the standout performances of his career came at the Santiago Bernabéu, where he scored twice in Villarreal's dramatic 3-2 victory over Real Madrid.

Inter derby gives Super Eagles star Chukwueze one last chance to impress Amorim

Despite growing transfer speculation, Chukwueze still has an opportunity to change the direction of his AC Milan career. The Super Eagles attacker is expected to start in Milan's high-profile preseason derby against city rivals Inter Milan in Perth, Australia. The match represents an important audition for new head coach Rúben Amorim as he assesses his squad before the start of the Serie A season.

Chukwueze has already made a positive impression during preseason. In Milan's opening friendly against Celtic in Glasgow, he came off the bench with his side trailing 2-0 and delivered an excellent cross that led to the equalising goal in a 2-2 draw.

That display appears to have strengthened Amorim's belief that the winger can still play an important role. Rather than using Chukwueze as a traditional touchline winger, Amorim is reportedly experimenting with him as a modern right-sided midfielder. The role allows the Nigerian to defend when required but also gives him the freedom to drift inside, attack central spaces and create chances. It is similar to the position in which he thrived during his best years at Villarreal.

The upcoming meeting with Inter will provide the toughest test yet. Chukwueze is expected to come up against Federico Dimarco, one of the strongest attacking full-backs in Serie A, in a duel that could shape his future.

A strong performance could convince Amorim to keep faith in the Super Eagles winger for the 2026/27 campaign. But if he struggles, AC Milan may be more willing to approve a late move away from the San Siro, with Spain still looking like the destination Chukwueze wants most.