Samuel Chukwueze has rejected a €15 million transfer to Turkish side Trabzonspor and will instead return to AC Milan to fight for his place under new coach Ruben Amorim. The Nigeria international is reportedly determined to use pre-season training to revive his career at the San Siro following an underwhelming spell abroad.
Fulham loan ends without permanent deal
The winger spent the previous campaign on loan at Premier League club Fulham, managing four assists and three goals from 25 outings. The London outfit held an option to secure his services permanently for €25 million but declined to trigger the clause, sending him back to Italy after a moderate return in England.
Chukwueze originally arrived at Milan from Villarreal during the summer of 2023. The Rossoneri paid €21.1 million upfront for his signature, with additional performance-related bonuses potentially pushing the total fee higher. However, he has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter since that high-profile switch from La Liga, making the temporary move to Craven Cottage necessary to regain match sharpness.
New hope under Amorim
With Ruben Amorim now at the helm following his appointment as Milan coach, Chukwueze sees a fresh opportunity to salvage his stint with the club. He reportedly believes a strong showing during pre-season could persuade the Portuguese tactician to retain his services despite concrete interest from the Turkish Super Lig.
The potential departure of key attacking figures may work in his favour. Should Rafael Leão or Christian Pulisic secure moves away this summer, Chukwueze could find himself competing for more prominent roles in the squad hierarchy, potentially easing his path back into contention for Serie A minutes.
Milan had viewed the Trabzonspor proposal as a chance to recoup funds and trim their wage bill, but the player’s refusal to entertain the switch leaves him in limbo unless he can quickly demonstrate his value to the new regime before the transfer window closes.