AC Milan's newly appointed manager Ruben Amorim will use pre-season to evaluate Samuel Chukwueze's role at the club ahead of the 2026/27 season. The Nigerian winger spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Fulham, where he scored three goals and recorded four assists in 23 Premier League appearances. His performances earned praise and prompted interest from the Cottagers, who are considering a permanent move but are unwilling to meet the €24 million release clause in the loan deal. Instead, Fulham are expected to open negotiations with AC Milan for a reduced transfer fee. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Amorim wants to personally assess Chukwueze before deciding whether he has a future at San Siro. The Portuguese coach is overseeing a squad rebuild and is prioritizing evaluations of players returning from loan spells. Financial limitations mean Amorim may have to rely on internal options who align with his tactical approach rather than pursuing extensive recruitment. As part of this process, Chukwueze is likely to be given a chance to prove his worth during pre-season training and friendlies. The former Villarreal player has struggled to secure a consistent role since joining AC Milan and will aim to use this opportunity to establish himself in the first team.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take

Chukwueze produced three goals and four assists in 23 league games, yet Fulham still refuses to trigger his €24 million clause. That hesitation suggests his impact was more rotational than transformative, casting doubt on his ability to anchor a top-tier attack. With Amorim prioritizing tactical fit over past potential, Chukwueze's chance to stay hinges on proving he offers more than what Fulham already judged as sub-market value.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →