Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze faces uncertain future at AC Milan amid lack of game time

Samuel Chukwueze’s situation at AC Milan continues to deteriorate, with the Nigerian winger finding himself increasingly marginalised under the current regime at the Serie A club.

Signed in 2023 from Villarreal with high expectations, Chukwueze’s time in Lombardy has been anything but smooth.

Despite arriving as a marquee signing, hailed as a key attacking addition, his journey has been marked by inconsistency, fitness struggles, and now a seeming lack of trust from the technical staff.

After a debut season that was heavily disrupted by injuries, the 25-year-old had hoped to make a strong impact in the 2024–25 campaign.

However, those ambitions have again been undermined, not only by recurring physical setbacks but also by managerial choices that have left him sidelined.

The arrival of Sérgio Conceição as AC Milan head coach has done little to revive Chukwueze’s fortunes. While he had more opportunities prior to the Portuguese manager’s appointment, his appearances have since become rare.

Over the last ten matches, the Nigerian has featured in just three, playing a total of only eight minutes in the Rossoneri’s last five outings.

This significant drop in involvement suggests that Chukwueze no longer figures prominently in Conceição’s tactical plans.

With the coach expected to remain in charge beyond this season, the winger’s prospects at the San Siro appear increasingly bleak.

Chukwueze, known for his directness and flair during his time in La Liga, has struggled to replicate that form in Italy.

The system under Conceição seems ill-suited to his style of play, further compounding his difficulties. For a player who left Villarreal on the cusp of stardom, the current stagnation represents a stark contrast to his career trajectory just two years ago.

There is growing speculation that a summer exit is becoming inevitable. Although he was previously linked with a move away during the January transfer window, those discussions never materialised into concrete offers.

Now, as the season winds down and with little indication of a turnaround, transfer rumours are expected to resurface with greater intensity.

A return to Villarreal has been mentioned as a potential destination, with a loan deal also being floated as a possibility to help the player regain form and confidence.

Chukwueze himself is reportedly considering his options carefully, recognising that regular playing time is essential if he is to revive his career at club and international level.

Despite being under contract with Milan until June 2028, his valuation has already seen a notable decline. Initially signed for €20 million, his current market worth has reportedly dropped to around €14 million — a reflection of both his lack of minutes and diminished impact on the pitch.

As AC Milan prepares for the next chapter under Conceição, it appears increasingly likely that Chukwueze may not be a part of it.

Unless there is a dramatic shift in his role or the club’s stance, a departure in the upcoming transfer window seems to be the most realistic scenario for the out-of-favour Nigerian winger.