Samuel Chukwueze has rediscovered himself at Fulham, but the question of whether he stays beyond this season has hit a familiar wall, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles winger arrived at Craven Cottage last summer on a season-long loan from AC Milan, having spent two largely underwhelming years at the San Siro.
He made 70 appearances for the Rossoneri, scored eight goals and contributed six assists, and never truly nailed down a starting spot under any of the coaches who cycled through the club during his time there.
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Milan eventually decided he had no future in their plans and sanctioned the move to London. What followed was a transformation.
Under Marco Silva at Fulham, Chukwueze has looked more direct and more consistent than at any point during his time in Italy. He scored twice against Manchester City in a remarkable comeback performance in December, a night that convinced both the Fulham fanbase and the club’s hierarchy that they were looking at a player worth keeping.
He has since contributed three goals and four assists across his appearances this season, and has settled in a dressing room that also houses fellow Nigerians Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey.
Fulham have already made contact with AC Milan through an intermediary, with plans to activate the buyout clause. Chukwueze himself is open to staying, and the fans have made their feelings clear.
The price tag
Per Milan Press, the stumbling block is the valuation.
“Samuel Chukwueze has become a symbol for the fans, who want to keep him in London,” the outlet reported.
“However, the club currently considers the buyout too high, and that is precisely what makes finding an agreement difficult.”
The option to buy was set at around €24 million when the loan was agreed, with bonuses potentially pushing the total closer to €30 million. Milan, who bought him from Villarreal in 2023 for €21.1 million, are keen to recoup as much as possible from a deal that never delivered at club level.
Fulham’s reluctance to meet that valuation in full is what stands between all parties and a deal that otherwise appears to suit everyone.
