"Chukwueze’s Milan Move: 3 Reasons for His Struggles"

Chukwueze's Milan Dream Turns Sour: 3 Key Reasons Behind His Struggles

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze's dream move to AC Milan has swiftly turned into a nightmare, with his future at the club now uncertain. The Nigeria international, who joined Milan from Villarreal for €21.1 million in 2023, has struggled to replicate the form that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting wingers. After a year in Milan, Chukwueze's role in the team has diminished under multiple coaches, and now, with Sergio Conceição at the helm, his departure at the end of the season seems all but certain.

Despite being contracted until 2028, Milan are reportedly open to selling Chukwueze for around €20 million or arranging a loan deal with an obligation to buy as part of a larger squad restructure for next season.

Here are three critical factors that explain why Chukwueze’s highly anticipated move to AC Milan has failed to meet expectations:

1. Injury Woes Have Stalled His Progress

Injuries have been a significant barrier to Chukwueze’s progress at Milan. Since his arrival, he has been plagued by recurring hamstring issues, preventing him from maintaining consistent fitness and disrupting his match rhythm. His injury troubles began early in the 2023/24 season, with two separate spells sidelining him for several weeks. These issues have continued into the current campaign, causing him to miss crucial matches, including in Milan’s Champions League run.

For a player whose game is built on pace and agility, such injuries have had a profound effect on his ability to influence matches. They have also led to a lack of trust from Milan's managers, who have been hesitant to rely on a player with such a poor fitness record.

2. Managerial Instability Has Undermined His Development

Chukwueze’s time at Milan has been marked by frequent changes in management. He has played under three different head coaches since his arrival, with none of them showing full confidence in his abilities. Initially signed by Stefano Pioli, Chukwueze made over 30 appearances in the 2023/24 season, but most of them were as a substitute, often behind Christian Pulisic in the pecking order.

With Pioli's departure, Chukwueze’s fortunes didn’t improve under Paulo Fonseca. Despite a promising pre-season, he struggled to translate that form into competitive matches. Now, under Sergio Conceição, Chukwueze’s situation has worsened even further. He has not started a single match since the new manager took charge, further underlining his diminished role in the squad.

3. Struggles to Adapt to Milan’s Tactical Demands

Another significant factor in Chukwueze’s struggles is his difficulty in adapting to Milan’s more structured playing style. Known for his direct attacking runs and ability to take on defenders in transition at Villarreal, Chukwueze has found it challenging to impose himself in a more tactical and disciplined system at Milan. The demands of a top European club have proven too much for him, as his style of play has not been able to seamlessly integrate into Milan's framework.

Moreover, his inability to consistently contribute goals or assists has compounded his challenges, leaving him as a fringe player with little impact on Milan’s results.

Chukwueze’s move to Milan was filled with promise, but a combination of injuries, managerial instability, and tactical struggles has led to his dream move turning into a difficult chapter in his career. As Milan look to rebuild for the future, the winger's days at the club seem numbered.