Njgerisn footballer, Samuel Chukwueze has reportedly turned down an opportunity to continue his career in Turkey, opting instead to remain with AC Milan despite uncertainty surrounding his future at the club ahead of the new season.
The Nigerian winger had emerged as a transfer target for Trabzonspor, who were reportedly prepared to spend around €15 million to secure his services this summer.
A move would have seen Chukwueze join the growing list of Super Eagles stars plying their trade in Turkey, including Victor Osimhen, whose performances in the country have attracted widespread attention.
However, the former Villarreal star appears determined to continue fighting for his place at one of Europe’s most decorated clubs.
Chukwueze spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Fulham, hoping to rediscover the form that made him one of Nigeria’s most exciting attacking talents.
According to Transfermarkt, the winger featured 25 times across all competitions for the London club, scoring three goals and providing four assists.
Despite flashes of quality, Fulham ultimately decided against activating the purchase option included in the loan agreement, sending the 27-year-old back to Italy, where questions remain about his long-term future at San Siro.
He is now expected to report for pre-season preparations with the rest of the AC Milan squad.
Trabzonspor had viewed Chukwueze as a key target as they looked to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new campaign, with the Turkish outfit reportedly believing a deal worth around €15 million would be enough to secure the Nigerian international.
Such a move would have reunited him with a league that has become increasingly attractive to African stars, including his Super Eagles teammates Osimhen and Paul Onuachu.
However, according to Nigerian journalist Babatunde Ojora, Chukwueze has rejected the proposal and intends to remain in Italy rather than pursue a fresh challenge in Turkey, meaning he will not be joining Osimhen and other Nigerian players currently making headlines in the country.
The biggest factor behind his decision appears to be his desire to understand where he fits into AC Milan’s plans under their new manager.
The Rossoneri, seven-time UEFA Champions League winners, are entering another period of transition, and opportunities could emerge for players willing to prove themselves.
Rather than rushing into a permanent move elsewhere, Chukwueze is reportedly prepared to wait for discussions with the coaching staff before making any major career decisions.
At 27, the winger still believes he has much to offer at the highest level of European football. His pace, creativity and ability to change matches in one-on-one situations remain valuable assets, even if consistency has sometimes eluded him in recent seasons.
Whether he ultimately stays in Milan or seeks a fresh challenge later in the transfer window, one thing remains clear, Chukwueze is not yet ready to walk away from one of football’s most iconic clubs.
