Samuel Chukwueze’s representatives are working to secure the Super Eagles winger a return to Spanish football before the summer transfer window closes. The 27-year-old is back at AC Milan after a loan spell at Fulham, where the Premier League club opted against triggering the option to sign him permanently.
As a result, Chukwueze finds himself at a crossroads once again, with his camp increasingly convinced that Spain offers the clearest route back to his best football.
Rather than pushing for another switch to England, Chukwueze’s representatives have turned their attention back to La Liga, where he thrived during his time at Villarreal. According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes is camp has already made contact with clubs in the division.
Real Betis and Celta Vigo are among his known, long-term admirers, having previously been linked with moves for the winge Furthermore, Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad have also monitored his situation in the past, making enquiries about a possible loan or permanent deal.
However, any move will depend heavily on Milan’s stance. The Rossoneri are willing to listen to offers, but they are not prepared to let the Nigerian leave cheaply. Consequently, Milan prefer a permanent sale and insist that interested clubs must match their valuation, a condition that could complicate negotiations as the deadline approaches.
Spain remains the destination Chukwueze wants most, and it is easy to understand why. He joined Villarreal from the Diamond Football Academy in 2017 after standout performances at the FIFA U17 World Cup, before rising quickly through the club’s youth ranks and making his senior debut in the Europa League in September 2018. Weeks later, he announced himself in La Liga with a goal against Rayo Vallecano, and his explosive pace soon drew comparisons with Arjen Robben.
Over six seasons at Villarreal, Chukwueze made 207 appearances and scored 37 goals, establishing himself as one of the division’s most feared wingers. His biggest moments came on the continental stage.
He played a role in Villarreal’s 2020/21 Europa League triumph over Manchester United, then produced a defining moment a year later, coming off the bench to equalise against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final and send his side into the semi-finals. His finest individual campaign followed in 2022/23, when he registered 13 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, including a memorable brace at the Santiago Bernabeu in a win over Real Madrid.
Chukwueze’s situation carries weight beyond club football. He remains one of Nigeria’s most recognisable attacking talents, and a return to a level where he can play regularly would strengthen his case for a starting role in the national team going forward.
His struggles for consistent game time in England, first at Milan and then during the loan at Fulham, have coincided with a dip in influence at international level, so a fresh platform in Spain could prove significant for both club and country.
