Samuel Chukwueze is the only one of AC Milan’s important signings last summer to not live up to expectations despite the obvious talent.
It is probably still early to understand who will remain at AC Milan next season and who will say goodbye definitively, taking other routes. The players most in the balance are those whose contracts expire in June, such as Olivier Giroud, Simon Kjaer and Luka Jovic. For the rest of the players much will depend on market dynamics and bids that might arrive.
Besides Jovic, among the new arrivals, Samuel Chukwueze is the other name whose future seems unclear. In fact, Chukwueze could be considered the only one amongst the summer signings last season that failed to live up to expectations. AC Milan spent €20 million, plus a potential €8 million in add-ons, to sign the 24-year-old right winger from Villarreal but so far Samuel’s season has been underwhelming.
Chukwueze has scored 3 goals and provided one assist in 24 appearances with the Rossoneri until now. Too little for a player that excelled in Spain last season reaching double figures in goals and assists. Chukwueze’s numbers are particularly disappointing when compared to the statistics of the other right winger, Christian Pulisic, who has recorded 20 goal contributions so far.
Obviously AC Milan have not gotten the return on investment they were hopping for from Samuel Chukwueze and rumors emerged suggesting that the 24-year-old Nigeria international may cut short his stay at San Siro after only one year. However, that will not be the case. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been personally involved to put such rumors to rest.
Tuttosport reports that Ibrahimovic has had a meeting with Samuel Chukwueze in recent days to discuss his future. Zlatan has explained to the talented right winger that AC Milan trust him and they will count on his services for next season. Chukwueze was an important investment of the club and the Rossoneri will give him the necessary time to showcase his true potential.
The 24-year-old Nigerian responded immediately to Ibrahimovic’s certificate of esteem scoring his first goal in Serie A against Hellas Verona, with a precise and well-directed left-footed volley. It was a clear proof that Samuel Chukwueze is not at all a poor or overrated player, but rather he just needs confidence and athletic form to demonstrate what he can do on the pitch.
