Samuel Chukwueze’s Journey from AC Milan to Fulham
Samuel Chukwueze, the Nigerian winger currently on loan at Fulham, has spoken openly about his experiences in Serie A and how his move to the Premier League has reignited his career. The 26-year-old joined Fulham in the summer of 2024 on a season-long loan from AC Milan, with the option for the English club to buy him at the end of the campaign. This move marked a turning point in his professional journey, as he has since found consistent playing time and has contributed significantly to Fulham’s performance.
Chukwueze initially joined AC Milan from Villarreal in the 2023 summer transfer window for a fee of €20 million. However, his time in Italy proved challenging. During the 2024/25 season, he made 26 appearances in Serie A but started only nine matches, accumulating 918 minutes. His contribution was limited to three goals and two assists, which paled in comparison to his previous success in Spain.
At Villarreal, Chukwueze was a key player, featuring regularly over five seasons and showcasing his talent on the pitch. His transition to Milan, however, did not go as smoothly. He admitted that a lack of game time and continuity hindered his progress during his two-year stint in Italy.
A New Beginning at Fulham
Since joining Fulham, Chukwueze has experienced a resurgence in form. In nine matches, he has scored two goals and provided four assists, with five of those goal contributions coming in his last five games before leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). His performances have been instrumental in helping Fulham compete in the Premier League, and he has expressed satisfaction with his current situation.
“I don’t think I was given the time or the opportunities I needed,” Chukwueze said. “But that’s football. I just have to keep working. Maybe one day I’ll return to Serie A, or La Liga, or stay in the Premier League. English football probably suits my style better than Italian tactics.”
Despite his current commitment to Fulham, Chukwueze emphasized that his connection with AC Milan remains strong. “I miss Milan,” he admitted. “It’s my second home. My family are still there, so of course I miss the city. They are doing well and I wish them all the best. I’m still a Milan player, after all, because I’m only on loan.”
Backing AC Milan’s Title Push
Chukwueze also shared his thoughts on AC Milan’s current campaign. He praised the club’s performance and expressed confidence in their ability to compete for the title. “You can see what Milan are doing; they’re playing very well,” he said. “If they keep pushing like this, I think they can win. I’m sure they’ll finish in the top four because their level has been really high.”
During the ongoing AFCON in Morocco, Chukwueze has been a standout performer for Nigeria. In the opening match against Tanzania, he played 59 minutes and contributed to the team’s victory. His performance has further solidified his reputation as one of the most promising talents in African football.
Looking Ahead
As Chukwueze continues his journey with Nigeria at the AFCON, his future remains uncertain. While he is currently at Fulham, the possibility of returning to Italy or even La Liga is still on the table. However, for now, he is focused on delivering strong performances for both his club and country.
