Samuel Chukwueze could be one of the unexpected beneficiaries of AC Milan’s growing crisis after reports linked Mauricio Pochettino with the vacant managerial position at San Siro.
The Nigerian winger is set to return to Milan this summer after Fulham reportedly decided against activating the €24 million option in his loan agreement, leaving his long-term future uncertain at a club now entering full-scale reconstruction following Massimiliano Allegri’s dismissal.
At first glance, the situation appears uncomfortable for Chukwueze. Milan have just endured one of their most disappointing campaigns in recent years after missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification, triggering a ruthless clear out that swept away not only Allegri but also key figures within the club’s sporting hierarchy. yet within that chaos may lie Chukwueze’s biggest opportunity since arriving in Italy.
Samuel Chukwueze for AC Milan celebrating his goal. Photocredit: Imago
The 27-year-old returns to San Siro at a moment when almost everything is changing. Milan are searching for a new identity, a new direction and now, potentially, a new manager in Pochettino.
Initial talks between Milan and the former Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain coach have reportedly already taken place. Although Pochettino is currently focused on leading the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil after recently announcing his tournament squad, Milan’s interest signals the kind of ambitious reset the club are preparing for and for Chukwueze, that could change everything.
His Milan career has never truly settled into rhythm. Signed from Villarreal amid huge expectations in 2023, the Nigerian arrived with a reputation as one of Europe’s most explosive one-versus-one attackers. But inconsistency, tactical instability and limited continuity prevented him from establishing himself as a guaranteed starter.
Samuel Chukwueze signs for Fulham Football Club on deadline day. Photocredit: Getty Images
Even his loan spell at Fulham delivered mixed outcomes. While flashes of his directness and pace remained evident, three goals and four assists were ultimately not enough to convince the Premier League side to activate their reported purchase option. Now he returns to a club that barely resembles the one he left.
That uncertainty naturally creates doubts over whether Milan may still look to sell him this summer, especially as the club attempt to recover financially after missing out on Champions League revenue. Reports in Italy have already suggested Milan could listen to offers for several returning players as they reshape the squad.
But Pochettino’s possible arrival introduces an entirely different dimension to the conversation.
Samuel Chukwueze’s future at AC Milan remains uncertain after Fulham rejected a permanent deal, but Mauricio Pochettino’s possible arrival could hand the Nigerian winger a fresh opportunity at San Siro. Photocredit: Getty Images
Throughout his managerial career, the Argentine has consistently shown faith in energetic wide players capable of aggressive pressing, rapid transitions and direct attacking football. At Tottenham, he transformed players like Son Heung-min and Dele Alli into devastating transition weapons. At Southampton, he built one of the Premier League’s most intense pressing systems. Even at Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, his teams relied heavily on quick wide forwards capable of stretching defences.
Those traits closely mirror the qualities that made Chukwueze such a dangerous player at Villarreal.
Samuel Chukwueze while playing for Villareal. Photocredit: Imago
The Nigerian thrives when given freedom to attack defenders, drive into open spaces and operate in fast vertical systems. Under rigid structures, his influence can fade. Under aggressive transitional football, he often becomes unpredictable and difficult to contain that is why a coaching change matters.
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Under Allegri, Milan frequently looked cautious and tactically restrained during key moments of the season, particularly during their late collapse. Chukwueze never appeared fully integrated into a clearly defined attacking structure before eventually departing on loan.
Pochettino could offer something different: intensity, verticality and renewed tactical clarity.
Just as importantly, a new manager often resets perceptions inside a dressing room. Players previously considered expendable suddenly receive fresh evaluations. Old hierarchies disappear. Careers can restart quickly. that reset may arrive at exactly the right moment for Chukwueze.
AC Milan s Samuel Chukwueze celebrates after scoring goal 3-2 during the Serie A soccer match between Ac Milan and Parma at San Siro Stadium. Photocredit: Imago
The timing is particularly intriguing because Pochettino is entering another major international tournament with the United States. His immediate focus remains the World Cup, but Milan’s interest suggests the club are already planning beyond the tournament as they attempt to recover from what the ownership described as an “unequivocal failure”.
And if Pochettino eventually takes over at San Siro, Chukwueze may suddenly find himself with the kind of coach capable of rebuilding both his confidence and his tactical importance.
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Nothing is guaranteed yet, Milan still face difficult financial and sporting decisions this summer. Chukwueze’s future remains genuinely uncertain, and fresh transfer interest from elsewhere in Europe cannot be ruled out. Much will depend on the club’s final managerial appointment and how the new coach evaluates the current squad.
But for the first time in months, the narrative around Chukwueze may no longer be centred solely on exit routes. Instead, Milan’s crisis could unexpectedly present him with a second beginning.
