Samuel Chukwueze’s future could be back on the front-burner this week after it emerged that AC Milan are close to announcing a new manager, Afrik-Foot reports.
AC Milan are set to begin a new chapter after reaching a full agreement with Portuguese coach Rúben Amorim to become the club’s new manager ahead of the 2026/27 season. The 41-year-old is expected to sign a two-year contract running until June 2028, with an option for an additional year, as per SkySports.
The Rossoneri turned to Amorim following a disappointing campaign that saw them finish fifth in Serie A and miss out on UEFA Champions League qualification. Club owners RedBird Capital responded by dismissing Massimiliano Allegri in May as part of a wider restructuring project aimed at returning Milan to the top of Italian football.
Amorim’s appointment offers a quick return to management after his difficult spell at Manchester United ended in January 2026. The former Sporting CP boss struggled at Old Trafford, where United finished 15th in the Premier League. Milan believe his preferred 3-4-3 system, which brought success in Portugal, can be more effective in the tactical environment of Serie A.
Samuel Chukwueze: Amorim’s tactical system could create problems
Amorim’s arrival could have major consequences for Samuel Chukwueze, who is back at San Siro after Fulham opted against activating their €25-30 million purchase clause following his loan spell in England.
The Nigerian international has built his career as a traditional right winger who thrives in one-versus-one situations before cutting inside onto his stronger left foot. However, Amorim’s system rarely uses natural wingers. Instead, width comes from attacking wing-backs, while the two supporting attackers behind the striker operate in narrower central positions.
This tactical setup may leave Chukwueze without a natural role. He is not known for the defensive intensity required of a wing-back, while his strengths are based on direct dribbling and attacking open spaces rather than playing in crowded central areas.
Competition for places is another concern. Christian Pulisic remains one of Milan’s most influential attacking players on the right side, while Rafael Leão continues to command a regular role on the left. Christopher Nkunku is also expected to occupy one of the advanced attacking positions, further reducing opportunities for the Super Eagles winger.
Chukwueze: Small hope of revival?
There is still a possible route back for Samuel Chukwueze into Amorim’s plans, though. During his successful period at Sporting CP, the Portuguese coach transformed players such as Marcus Edwards and Francisco Trincão into productive attackers within his 3-4-3 system. Both players were left-footed forwards who started wide before learning to operate closer to goal.
It is also a role Chukwueze has sometimes embraced with the Super Eagles in Eric Chelle’s preferred 4-4-2 diamond formation. He scored against Jamaica in the final of the Unity Cup last year and provided an assist for Victor Osimhen in the 4-0 World Cup-qualifying win over Benin Republic, both as an inside-forward.
Should Chukwueze warm up to Amorim’s tactical demands, he could potentially reinvent himself as an impact substitute capable of changing matches from the bench.
However, a permanent transfer appears to be the most likely outcome. Milan are looking to generate funds for Amorim’s rebuilding project and are reportedly willing to listen to offers between €20 million and €26 million after Fulham declined to meet their previous valuation.
With a new coach arriving, a tactical overhaul underway, and fierce competition in attack, the coming weeks could prove decisive for Chukwueze’s long-term future at AC Milan.
