Why Chukwueze’s Fulham move collapsed – Report

Italian publication, AC Milan TMN, has provided details on why Samuel Chukwueze’s proposed move to Fulham fell through on transfer deadline day, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.

Chukwueze joined Milan from Spanish club Villarreal during the 2023 summer transfer window for a deal worth €20m plus some substantial bonuses, which made him the most expensive signing of a window that saw 10 players join the San Siro outfit.

Since joining the Rossoneri, the Nigerian has struggled to replicate the form that made him a household name at the Yellow Submarines during his five-year spell at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

Milan manager Paulo Fonseca confirmed in a press conference in November 2024 that Chukwueze had no space in his team and urged the Nigerian to make a move elsewhere.

“He had a very good preseason when he had space against big teams. When we arrived here, against Torino and Lazio, I think Chukwueze was not as good as in the pre-season,” Fonseca said.

“It’s not a problem of quality but of confidence. He needs to gain confidence and play in this context: in Serie A he has no space; he has to make movements at the right time.”

Following the manager’s statement, the Super Eagles forward was immediately linked with several clubs with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Real Sociedad, Super Lig sides Besiktas and Trabzonspor among those interested in the Nigerian.

However, on transfer deadline day, Chukwueze was linked with a move to Fulham but the deal fell through.

Providing an update on the failed deal, AC Milan TMN wrote, “Milan and Fulham negotiated for Samuel Chukwueze in a deal that cost €30m in total with loan included, and they knew there was an option to buy.

“The operation was completed at another time, but after a few more hours, we asked them to get to the right port.

“Now Chukwueze, considering that there are other open markets, is going to remain in Milan at least until later.”

The 25-year-old recently returned to action having been ruled out with hamstring injury for several weeks. Chukwueze came off the bench to score the 95th-minute winner in Milan’s 3-2 win over Parma on matchday 22.

He will hope to prove his doubters wrong and cement his place in manager Sergio Conceicao’s team.