Fulham stun Deadline Day with the signing of Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan on loan with €30m buy option.
The 2025 summer transfer window ended in dramatic fashion for Fulham fans, as the club secured the signing of Nigerian international Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan. The deal, finalized on Deadline Day (September 1, 2025), sees the winger join on a season-long loan with an option to buy set at €30 million.
For a club eager to cement its Premier League status while adding attacking firepower, Chukwueze’s arrival represents not only ambition but also a clear statement of intent.
![Breaking News: 16 Nations Seal Qualification for Historic 2026 FIFA World Cup [SEE LIST]](https://nationscuriosity.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/images-22-120x86.jpeg)
Why Samuel Chukwueze Chose Fulham
At just 25 years old, Chukwueze is stepping into the peak years of his career. Known for his lightning pace, dazzling dribbles, and ability to stretch defenses, the winger has long been a target for English clubs. Speaking at his unveiling at Craven Cottage, the Nigerian star couldn’t hide his excitement:
“I’m so happy to be here. It’s an amazing club. It feels like home, because I have my people around me. I feel at home already, and I can’t wait to get started,” he said.
Those “people” include fellow Super Eagles teammates Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, both of whom play key roles at Fulham. Their presence not only influenced his decision but also promises to make his adaptation smoother.
For Chukwueze, playing in the Premier League—a league that has nurtured some of Africa’s finest footballing legends—was a dream waiting to be fulfilled.
ALSO READ: BREAKING: Tinubu Administration Weighs Game-Changing Decision on Simon Ekpa
Fulham’s Perspective on the Signing
Fulham’s Vice-Chairman Tony Khan hailed the signing as one of the club’s most exciting deals in recent years.
“Samuel is an explosive athlete and tremendous talent. He will bring pace, creativity, and flair to our squad. We are delighted to welcome him to Fulham,” Khan stated.
Manager Marco Silva now has a versatile weapon for his frontline. Chukwueze is expected to slot in primarily on the right wing, a position where Fulham has lacked cutting edge since the departure of Brazilian veteran Willian. His dribbling, trickery, and ability to cut inside onto his stronger left foot could add a new dimension to Silva’s attacking plans.
How the Deal Came Together
Chukwueze’s move was far from straightforward. Earlier in the window, Fulham were linked with a permanent transfer, with AC Milan valuing him at around €25 million. But negotiations stalled as the Italian side held firm on their demands.
As the clock ticked down on Deadline Day, both clubs reached a compromise: a loan deal with a buy option of €30 million.
This solution worked for all parties:
For AC Milan, it freed up wages and squad space while allowing them to potentially cash in later.
For Fulham, it minimized immediate financial risk, giving the club a season to evaluate Chukwueze in English football before committing to a permanent deal.
What Chukwueze Brings to Fulham
With his arrival, Fulham now boast one of the most exciting Nigerian trios in European football:
Alex Iwobi – midfield engine and creative spark
Calvin Bassey – rock-solid defender
Samuel Chukwueze – dynamic winger with flair and pace
This trio not only strengthens Fulham on the pitch but also positions the club as a new hub for African talent in the Premier League. For Nigerian football fans, Craven Cottage could quickly become a favorite destination.
Beyond the cultural connection, Chukwueze offers the technical qualities Fulham desperately needed: explosive counter-attacks, the ability to beat defenders one-on-one, and a direct style that can break down stubborn defenses.
Looking Ahead: A Season of Opportunity
The 2025/26 Premier League season is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. For Fulham, consistency remains the key to climbing the table and avoiding a relegation fight.
Chukwueze’s challenge will be to rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after wingers during his time at Villarreal. If he adapts quickly to the physicality of English football, Fulham could not only survive but thrive.
More importantly, if Chukwueze shines, the club will have no hesitation in triggering the €30 million buy option—turning what looks like a clever gamble today into one of the best transfers of the season.
Final Thoughts
Fulham’s Deadline Day coup is more than just a transfer—it’s a bold statement that the Cottagers are ready to compete with the big boys. For Samuel Chukwueze, it’s a chance to write a new chapter in his career, surrounded by compatriots and in front of passionate fans at Craven Cottage.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether this loan move turns into a long-term love story between Chukwueze and Fulham.
