Ruben Amorim confirms Samuel Chukwueze plan after Fulham return

Samuel Chukwueze appears set to stay at Milan after new manager Ruben Amorim confirmed the winger is part of his plans for next season.

The Nigeria international has returned to Italy following his loan spell at Fulham, who decided against activating their €24m option to buy.

That decision initially left Chukwueze’s future uncertain, but Amorim has now made clear that he values the 27-year-old’s one-on-one ability and tactical flexibility.

Amorim and Chukwueze have never previously worked together, despite both spending last season in the Premier League.

However, the former Manchester United manager already appears to have identified a role for the winger at San Siro.

“Chukwu stays with us,” Amorim said. “We need players who can play one-against-one.”

The Milan boss also explained that Chukwueze could give him greater freedom to change systems during matches.

“I think Chukwueze has really great qualities to be in our team and gives us alternatives to play with other systems.”

Amorim intends to assess his existing squad during pre-season before demanding major additions. That approach gives Chukwueze an immediate opportunity to prove he can become an important player at Milan.

Chukwueze made 26 appearances in all competitions during his loan spell, including 23 in the Premier League.

He finished with three goals and four assists, but those numbers do not fully reflect his influence. His pace and willingness to attack defenders made him an unpredictable option in Fulham’s attack.

His strongest run came between 23 November and 13 December, when he recorded three assists and scored twice across five matches.

Chukwueze later added another goal against Brighton after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

His finishing remained an issue, with a reported conversion rate of just 12%, but the loan helped him rebuild confidence after two difficult seasons in Milan.

Fulham considered keeping him permanently but ultimately decided the agreed €24m fee was too high. The London club wanted a discount, which Milan refused to provide.

Chukwueze will now begin pre-season under Amorim with a genuine opportunity to rebuild his Milan career.

The new manager wants to assess the players already available before looking for outside solutions, and Chukwueze offers qualities Amorim specifically wants in his attack. His ability to beat defenders could give him a fresh role after returning from England with renewed confidence.

Can Amorim finally unlock Chukwueze’s best form at Milan?