Why Ruben Amorim Decided to Keep Samuel Chukwueze at AC Milan

AC Milan's new head coach Ruben Amorim has openly shared his vision regarding his first steps in the transfer market and squad changes. According to GOAL.com, the Portuguese tactician has made a firm decision on the future of players returning from loan spells at other clubs, specifically Samuel Chukwueze. Amorim emphasized that the team desperately needs creative players who can beat their opponents in one-on-one situations, announcing that the Nigerian winger will stay at Milan. This is reported by Goal .com.

For the first time since the 2000s, AC Milan has not sold a single player before the beginning of August. While the new management is going through a period of adaptation to complex transfer market processes, the coaching staff decided to carefully study the available resources during the pre-season training camp. In particular, after Fulham decided against exercising the €24 million buyout option and sent Chukwueze back, the Milan management remained calm. On the contrary, Ruben Amorim decided to give the player a chance, highly rating his technical abilities.

Chukwueze's role in Amorim's tactical plans

From the very first days of pre-season training, Amorim placed Samuel on the right wing of a four-man midfield. This role reminds us of the period when the player shone for Villarreal. Back then, starting his moves from the right flank and cutting inside, he posed a major threat to opponents' goals. Amorim dwelt on this specifically during his introductory press conference.

«Chukwueze will stay with us. We need players who can directly beat their opponents. Before looking for players outside, we need to take a closer look inside. If the players play well and follow the coach's instructions, we will find a place for them in the squad», — Ruben Amorim noted. The specialist believes that the Nigerian winger will also provide additional alternative options for implementing other tactical schemes in the team.

Experience in England and a new challenge

Playing for Fulham last season, Samuel Chukwueze made 23 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists across all competitions. Although his numbers may not look overly extravagant, he stood out with his agility and high speed. In particular, his confident performance in the match against Manchester City earned praise from Pep Guardiola.

His spell at Fulham helped the player regain his self-confidence. Although his first two seasons at Milan were not very successful, Chukwueze is now ready to give his all to restore his best form and stay at the club. He is expected to compete with Athekame for the right wing, while Alexis Saelemaekers is expected to operate more on the left flank.