Samuel Chukwueze: Everton and top 5 EPL clubs that can rescue Nigeria star from AC Milan

Samuel Chukwueze’s future is back on the frontburner after the Super Eagles star failed to secure a permanent Premier League, Soccernet.ng reports.

After spending the 2025-26 season on loan at Fulham, the Nigeria international is heading back to AC Milan. However, his return to the San Siro is unlikely to be a long one. Reports from Italy suggest Milan are prepared to sell him permanently as they continue a squad rebuild following another disappointing campaign.

The situation is familiar for Chukwueze. Since leaving Villarreal for Milan in the summer of 2023, he has struggled to establish himself as an automatic starter. The explosive winger arrived in Italy with a reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous one-on-one attackers, but injuries, managerial changes and inconsistent form have prevented him from reaching those heights.

His loan spell at Fulham offered glimpses of his quality. Across 24 appearances in all competitions, he scored three goals and provided four assists in 1,117 minutes. A particularly impressive spell between November 2025 and January 2026 saw him produce two goals and three assists in six matches.

Yet those flashes were not enough to convince Fulham to activate a purchase clause reportedly worth between €24 million and €30 million.

Now, with Milan ready to move on, the Premier League may still offer Chukwueze the perfect opportunity to rebuild his career.

Soccer Samuel Chukwueze’s possible destinations this summer

Everton

If there is one club that appears tailor-made for Chukwueze, it is Everton. The Merseyside club have been linked with the Nigerian on several occasions over the years and remain in need of a genuine right winger capable of beating defenders.

Chukwueze’s greatest strength has always been his ability to receive the ball in wide areas, attack defenders directly and create danger through pace and dribbling. Everton’s attacking play often lacks that unpredictability.

At 27, Chukwueze would arrive with valuable Premier League experience after his season at Fulham. He would also likely enjoy regular playing time, something he has rarely experienced since leaving Spain. This could be the ideal match for both club and player.

Nottingham Forest

Few Premier League teams attack space as aggressively as Nottingham Forest. Forest’s success in recent seasons has often been built around rapid counter-attacks, quick transitions and direct running from wide areas.

These qualities mirror Chukwueze’s strengths almost perfectly. The Nigerian international does not need lengthy spells of possession to influence matches. Instead, he is at his most dangerous when given room to run at defenders.

Forest’s fast-paced approach would allow him to play instinctively and maximise the attributes that once made him one of La Liga’s most feared wingers.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have developed a reputation for giving attacking players freedom to express themselves.

Whether through dribblers, creative forwards or wide attackers capable of producing moments of brilliance, Palace’s system often encourages individual flair.

That could be exactly what Chukwueze needs after several difficult seasons. The Super Eagles star remains one of Africa’s most gifted dribblers. When confident, he can unsettle defenders, draw fouls and create chances from seemingly impossible situations.

At Selhurst Park, he would join a team that values creativity rather than restricting it.

Brentford

Brentford may not be the first club mentioned in transfer discussions, but they could represent an excellent destination. The club’s recruitment model focuses on identifying undervalued players who possess strong underlying qualities.

Chukwueze fits that profile. Despite his struggles at Milan and Fulham, his pace, dribbling numbers and experience at the highest level remain attractive. Brentford’s coaching staff have repeatedly shown an ability to revive careers and improve attacking players.

A move there could allow Chukwueze to rebuild his reputation away from the intense spotlight that follows larger clubs.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth have steadily evolved into one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking teams.

Their willingness to play progressive football and attack quickly from wide positions makes them another attractive option.

Unlike at Milan, where Chukwueze often found himself competing with established stars, Bournemouth could offer him a clearer route to becoming a central figure in the attack. That opportunity could prove invaluable for a player whose confidence has been affected by irregular game time.