“We’re happy” – Maldini’s successor at AC Milan reacts to Chukwueze’s failed move to Fulham

Obi Donald

6 hours ago

Paolo Maldini’s successor at AC Milan, Geoffrey Moncada, has revealed his side were delighted Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze, didn’t make a deadline day transfer to Fulham, Soccernet.ng reports.

Chukwueze joined the seven-time UEFA Champions League winners in the summer of 2023 from Villareal, but has struggled to nail down a starting berth at the San Siro.

Milan tried to shake things up during the winter transfer window as they look to push towards winning a trophy when the season ends in May.

Noah Okafor of AC Milan celebrates the victory with Samuel Chukwueze during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico Rome Italy on 01 March 2024. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

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Alex Iwobi’s Fulham tried to sign the Nigerian during the transfer deadline, offering up to thirty million euros, but the deal fell through due to time constraints.

While the Cottagers wanted a loan with the option to buy, Milan wanted to offload the Nigerian completely. Nonetheless, the club’s technical director was delighted the 25-year-old gets to stay.

“It was very important that we act on the transfer market, as we changed some players, changed some of the characteristics and the structure of the side to give the coach more options. There are high expectations, so by starting to win tonight in the Coppa Italia, then there’s the Champions League and Serie A, we need to step up a level,” Moncada said about Milan’s transfer activity in the just-concluded transfer window as revealed by Football Italia.

R-L Tijjani Reijnders of AC Milan celebrates with his teammates Samuel Chukwueze and Noah Okafor after scoring a goal during UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase against Club Brugge KV. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

imago1052816167 — R-L Tijjani Reijnders of AC Milan celebrates with his teammates Samuel Chukwueze and Noah Okafor after scoring a goal during UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase against Club Brugge KV. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Milan signed Kyle Walker, Santiago Gimenez, and Joao Felix during the winter transfer window, while they let go of Noah Okafor and Alvaro Morata.

The pair joined Napoli and Galatasaray respectively. Moncada also revealed there’s a chance the Portuguese could stay permanently beyond his loan spell, whilst maintaining delight at Chukwueze’s position.

Samuel Chukwueze of AC Milan injured during Serie A 2024/25 football match between AC Milan and AS Roma at San Siro Stadium in Milan Italy on 29 December 2024. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

“It depends on us and on him [Felix], there is always a possibility. We have a very good rapport with Chelsea, so we’ll see in the summer. No, he [Chukwueze] is staying with us and represents another option on the right. We’re happy he gets to stay,” the Milan’s technical director concluded.

Samuel Chukwueze remained on the bench in Milan’s 3-1 win over AS Roma last night in the Coppa Italia. Rossoneri are now into the semi-final of the Italian Cup.