Chukwueze to leave Milan during summer exit
AC Milan forward, Samuel Chukwueze
Chukwueze to leave Milan during summer exit
AC Milan are preparing for a major transformation ahead of the 2025-26 season, and according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, one of the prominent names expected to depart is Samuel Chukwueze.
The Nigerian winger, who arrived from Villarreal less than two seasons ago, has struggled to establish himself in Milan due to injuries and limited playing time. This lack of consistency has left his future at the club uncertain.
During his time in Spain with the Yellow Submarine, the Nigerian was in impeccable form helping the club to a Europa League victory but since his move to Italy, the Nigerian has been unable to replicate the same form and, as a result, Milan are reportedly willing to listen to offers that would allow the player to seek a fresh start elsewhere.
Chukwueze to leave Milan during summer exit.
Chukwueze has made 32 appearances in all competitions for Milan this season from a possible 46 matches. He has started only 11 of those games and accumulated a total of 1,214 minutes on the pitch, missing 2,926 minutes of competitive action.
In terms of end product, he has scored five goals and provided one assist. Of his 32 outings, 21 came from the bench, underlining his marginalised role in the squad. He has averaged a goal every 242.8 minutes, with his most notable performance coming in a domestic cup tie against Sassuolo where he registered a brace. However, over the course of the campaign, he has managed only 13 shots on target and completed fewer than 40 successful dribbles. These numbers fall short of expectations for a player once heralded as one of the most exciting wingers in European football during his time in Spain.
This lack of regular involvement has frustrated both the player and the club, with Milan planning a squad reset with his departure increasingly likely. The club’s failure to secure a UEFA Champions League qualification next season will further strain their finances, and as part of a broader plan to balance the books, they are preparing to sell players like Chukwueze to generate funds for reinvestment.
The winger’s exit comes at a time when Milan are also planning changes to their technical leadership, with the potential appointment of Fabio Paratici or Zlatan Ibrahimović as the new sporting director. This transition, along with the possible arrival of a new coach, could lead to further reshuffling of the squad, with Fikayo Tomori also reportedly no longer fitting into the club’s evolving plans.
Tomori, once a defensive cornerstone after his move from Chelsea, has struggled for both form and fitness throughout the 2024-25 campaign. He has made just one appearance in Milan’s last nine matches and was close to a January move to Tottenham, who reportedly tabled an offer with worth around €30m. Milan reached an agreement with Spurs at the time, according to reports in Italy, but the defender was unwilling to swap Milan for Tottenham. A summer departure now appears far more likely. A return to the Premier League is also being mooted, with several English clubs still monitoring his situation.
Alongside these two, other names such as Theo Hernandez, Yunus Musah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Emerson Royal have also been mentioned in connection with possible exits.
Players currently out on loan with options to buy also warrant attention, as their fates could further influence Milan’s reshuffle. Juventus are reportedly keen to activate the purchase clause for Pierre Kalulu, while Marseille appear inclined to retain Ismaël Bennacer. Elsewhere, the futures of Noah Okafor, Yacine Adli, Tommaso Pobega and Lorenzo Colombo remain in question. Even if any of them return to Milanello this summer, their long-term stay is far from guaranteed.
