Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze has rejected an opportunity to join Turkish side Trabzonspor, choosing instead to remain focused on securing a place in AC Milan’s plans for the upcoming season.
According to sports journalist Ojora Babatunde, the 27-year-old winger has turned down the proposed move as he prepares to return to the Italian club following the end of his loan spell at Fulham.
Chukwueze’s immediate future has been the subject of speculation after an inconsistent campaign in the Premier League, but the winger is determined to compete for a regular role with the Rossoneri rather than pursue a transfer elsewhere.
The Nigerian joined AC Milan in 2023 and spent two seasons with the Serie A club before moving to Fulham on loan at the beginning of the 2025-26 season.
During his time at Craven Cottage, Chukwueze made 25 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing four assists. His most impressive run of form came between late November and early December, when he created goals against Sunderland and Tottenham before scoring twice in a match against Manchester City. He also contributed another assist in Fulham’s victory over Burnley during the same period.
However, his performances dipped after the turn of the year. Following his goal against Brighton on 24 January, the winger went 14 consecutive appearances without either scoring or providing an assist. That run increased uncertainty over whether Fulham would seek to make his stay permanent.
His situation at the London club was also affected by changes behind the scenes. Head coach Marco Silva, who had regularly selected Chukwueze during the campaign, departed to take charge of Benfica. Silva’s exit added further uncertainty over the Nigerian’s prospects at Fulham and reduced clarity over his long-term future with the Premier League side.
With his loan now complete, Chukwueze is expected to report back to AC Milan ahead of the 2026-27 season. There he could begin working under new head coach Ruben Amorim, who has taken charge following the departure of Massimiliano Allegri.
As Milan prepare for the new campaign, it remains unclear how Amorim intends to use the winger. Chukwueze is hoping to convince the new manager that he deserves a place in the squad despite the uncertainty surrounding his role.
Trabzonspor had emerged as one of the clubs interested in signing the Nigerian international during the summer. The Turkish side, who finished third in the Super Lig with 69 points, eight behind champions Galatasaray, were looking to strengthen their attacking options.
The club already has Nigerian players Paul Onuachu and Chibuike Nwaiwu in its squad and ended the season with silverware after defeating Konyaspor 2-1 in the Turkish Cup final. Onuachu scored both goals in the victory to help Trabzonspor finish the campaign on a positive note.
Despite that interest, Chukwueze has decided against a move to Turkey. Instead, he intends to remain at AC Milan while awaiting a decision over his future under Amorim.
Whether the Serie A club ultimately retains the winger as part of its plans for the new season or decides another loan move would better serve his development has yet to be determined.
