Samuel Chukwueze: 4 reasons Super Eagles star could accept Trabzonspor transfer from AC Milan

Turkish giants Trabzonspor have turned their efforts towards signing Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan, Afrik-Foot reports.

According to a Fotomac report, Trabzonspor have submitted an opening bid of €15 million (about ₦23.5 billion) to Milan for Chukwueze. It falls short of the Italian club’s valuation of the Nigeria international, which is believed to be in the €25 to €30 million range.

Trabzonspor, though, believe they can get a deal done for the former Villarreal attacker. The Turkish club sees the Nigerian as a vital transfer target ahead of preparations for a demanding campaign that will include the Turkish Süper Lig, the Turkish Cup, the UEFA Europa League and the Turkish Super Cup.

Negotiations between both clubs are continuing as Trabzonspor explores different ways to complete the deal. One of the options being discussed is an agreement that starts as a loan before becoming a permanent transfer if certain performance targets are achieved. Another option remains a direct permanent transfer close to the €15 million valuation.

Samuel Chukwueze of Fulham. Picture credit: ImagoxDavid Klein/Sportimage

Last season, Chukwueze spent the campaign on loan at Premier League side Fulham after struggling for regular playing time at AC Milan.

Although the 27-year-old produced three goals and four assists in 23 league appearances for the London club, Fulham eventually decided not to activate the permanent purchase option, mainly because of the overall financial package involved in the deal.

Chukwueze is expected to return to Milan for pre-season preparations, but reports suggest the Italian giants are open to selling him if the right offer arrives. Since changes were made to the club’s coaching staff and squad plans, his long-term future at the San Siro has become increasingly uncertain.

The Nigerian international still has two years remaining on his Milan contract, which expires in June 2028. Milan signed him from Spanish club Villarreal in the summer of 2023 for an initial fee of €21.1 million, but the club is now prepared to listen to serious offers as it reshapes its squad.

Nigeria and Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze. Copyright: IMAGO/GodfreyxPitt

Reasons Trabzonspor could be the right move for Samuel Chukwueze

One of the biggest attractions of joining Trabzonspor would be the chance to play in the same country as his close friend and Super Eagles teammate Victor Osimhen. The pair became close after helping Nigeria win the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2015 and have remained good friends throughout their professional careers. A move to Turkey would allow Chukwueze to settle into a familiar environment while also creating the exciting possibility of facing Osimhen in the race for the Süper Lig title.

Trabzonspor also offer Chukwueze a dressing room filled with familiar Nigerian faces. The club already has striker Paul Onuachu, experienced winger Anthony Nwakaeme and promising defender Chibuike Nwaiwu. Italy-based forward Rabiu Durosinmi has also been linked with a move to the club. Having several compatriots around him could make adapting to a new league much easier and help him perform at his best from the beginning.

Photo by IMAGO

Another major reason is the opportunity for a fresh career restart. Chukwueze has found it difficult to consistently reproduce the brilliant form he showed during his Villarreal days, while his spell at Milan and loan move to Fulham did not fully revive his career. Trabzonspor is prepared to make him an important attacking player rather than a squad option, giving him the confidence and responsibility needed to rediscover his best football.

Finally, the Turkish side can offer both European football and an ambitious sporting project. After winning the Turkish Cup, Trabzonspor secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Europa League. The club has already completed eight new signings as part of a major rebuild and wants to challenge for silverware in four competitions. Chukwueze would arrive as one of the key players expected to lead that push, making the move an attractive opportunity for both his career and his ambitions.