Fenerbahçe head coach José Mourinho is reportedly intent on securing the services of Nigerian international Samuel Chukwueze, as the Portuguese tactician seeks to further strengthen his squad ahead of the 2025/26 Süper Lig campaign.
The 26-year-old winger, currently contracted to AC Milan, is the subject of a three-club transfer pursuit involving Turkish rivals Beşiktaş and Premier League outfit Fulham, according to Turkish outlet HaberHergun.
Chukwueze, who endured an underwhelming debut season in Serie A, is believed to be no longer central to Milan’s tactical plans, rendering him a viable target for clubs seeking attacking reinforcements.
Sources indicate that Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe are preparing a loan proposal with a purchase option, aiming to add pace and width to their attacking line. The move would represent yet another high-profile addition to the club’s roster, following the recent acquisitions of Jhon Durán, Milan Škriniar, and Nélson Semedo.
The competition for Chukwueze’s signature remains intense, with both Beşiktaş and Fulham reportedly maintaining active interest. However, Fenerbahçe’s ambition under Mourinho, coupled with the club’s aggressive recruitment strategy, may offer a compelling project for the former Villarreal star.
Meanwhile, Beşiktaş, under the stewardship of newly appointed manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær, have formally entered the race for Chukwueze’s signature. According to multiple reports, the winger’s representative has arrived in Istanbul for negotiations with the Black Eagles’ hierarchy. However, early indications suggest that Beşiktaş’s initial proposal does not meet AC Milan’s valuation, leaving the deal in a tentative state.
Despite this, the club remains optimistic. Beşiktaş have already made bold moves in the transfer market—securing the signatures of striker Tammy Abraham and midfielder Orkun Kökçü—but view Chukwueze as a potential attacking catalyst. His arrival would not only bolster their offensive depth but also reignite a high-profile rivalry, given his close friendship with Nigerian compatriot Victor Osimhen, now plying his trade at Galatasaray.
In the Premier League, Fulham have re-emerged as serious contenders, renewing their interest after an unsuccessful bid in the January window. Gianluca Di Marzio reports that talks have resumed between Fulham and AC Milan, although negotiations are still in the early stages. No consensus has been reached on either the transfer fee or personal terms, casting uncertainty over the Cottagers’ ability to conclude a deal ahead of their league opener.
As the competition intensifies across three countries, the coming days may prove pivotal in determining where Samuel Chukwueze will ply his trade next season.
A switch to Craven Cottage could provide Samuel Chukwueze with a valuable opportunity to reignite his career in the Premier League, offering a fresh environment and the potential for regular first-team football. The presence of fellow Nigerian internationals Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey may further ease his integration both on and off the pitch, fostering a sense of familiarity and camaraderie in West London.
Chukwueze’s time at AC Milan has, by contrast, been largely underwhelming. Since his €21.1 million transfer from Villarreal in 2023, the 26-year-old has struggled to cement a consistent starting role under Stefano Pioli. Over the course of the 2023/24 Serie A campaign, he logged just 918 minutes across 26 appearances, with a mere nine starts, contributing three goals and two assists—a modest return given the expectations surrounding his arrival at San Siro.
A move to England could not only revive his form but also restore his standing within the Nigerian national team setup ahead of key international fixtures and the next AFCON cycle.#newsafro_
