Fulham expected to buy Samuel Chukwueze as winger ‘rediscovers his smile’

Fulham’s 1–0 win over Sunderland on 22 November 2025 may end up being more significant than the scoreline suggests. Not only did it secure another important Premier League result for Marco Silva’s side, it also strengthened the growing belief that Samuel Chukwueze will be purchased permanently in the summer.

The Nigerian winger, who arrived on loan from AC Milan with a €23m option, came off the bench to deliver a decisive assist — his second since joining — and produced the kind of lively cameo that has quickly endeared him to Fulham supporters. Italian outlet MilanLive claim the move would be welcomed by all parties: Milan, because they would generate a capital gain; Fulham, because Chukwueze adds much-needed dynamism; and the player himself, who has “rediscovered his smile” in London.

Fulham’s recruitment plan under Silva has been built on adding players with 1v1 ability and transitional threat. Chukwueze brings exactly that. His contribution against Sunderland highlighted how he changes games from wide positions — and why the club see him as more than a short-term rotation piece.

Italian reports suggest Milan expect Fulham to buy him outright, though they acknowledge it may be slightly premature. Still, the tone is clear: Fulham are pleased, Milan are open, and Chukwueze has momentum.

Having followed Chukwueze closely since his Villarreal days, the most striking aspect of his Fulham spell is how liberated he looks. In our view, the Premier League’s pace suits him more than Milan’s controlled, possession-heavy structure. His instinctive, explosive style thrives when he’s given space to attack full-backs, and Fulham’s system gives him that freedom.

Although some reports claim Fulham buying him is not yet guaranteed, other indications point differently: Silva is building a front line based on rotation, fluidity and high-energy pressing. Chukwueze ticks every box, and his relatively low option price in the current market makes this a rare value opportunity.

From my experience covering Fulham’s recruitment patterns, the club tend to commit early to players who show tactical trustworthiness and chemistry with teammates — both qualities Chukwueze has displayed quickly.

MilanLive’s reporting suggests Milan quietly prefer a permanent exit to reinvest his wages and fee. Milan spent €21m to sign him from Villarreal and would make a profit at €23m. With the club moving towards younger, home-grown profiles in wide roles, Chukwueze sits outside their long-term model.

That dynamic pushes Fulham into a strong negotiating position — the option price is fixed, and the selling club wants the deal.

If Chukwueze continues impacting matches, Fulham may push to secure the deal before summer competition emerges. For now, he is expected to feature heavily in December — a period that may ultimately decide his long-term future at Craven Cottage.

👉 Fulham fans — should the club activate the €23m clause now, or wait until the summer?