Raul Jimenez goal celebration with Samuel Chukwueze Ryan Sessegnon and Alex Iwobi during the Premier League match between Fulham and Sunderland at Craven Cottage. Copyright: ImagoxPedroxSoaresx/xSPPx
Fulham head coach Marco Silva has stated that the club will only consider handing Super Eagles attacker Samuel Chukwueze a fresh contract and activate his option-to-buy clause if he performs with sustained consistency, Soccernet.ng reports.
Chukwueze joined Fulham from AC Milan on a season-long loan during the summer transfer window in search of more consistent game time. In his two seasons with the Rossoneri, he failed to secure a regular spot in the starting eleven.
Following the appointment of coach Massimiliano Allegri, Chukwueze was informed that he was surplus to requirements, which led to his departure.
Unfortunately, he has had a topsy-turvy start to life at Craven Cottage, having not yet made a single start.
However, last weekend against Sunderland, he delivered a solid performance, helping the team secure a 1-0 win.
Fulham’s next game is against London rivals Tottenham, which is anticipated to be a tough encounter given Spurs’ current quality.
Ahead of the fixture, Coach Silva spoke about Chukwueze’s situation, noting that the Super Eagles star would have to impress him significantly more if he wants to secure a regular starting shirt at the club.
Samuel Chukwueze’s loan contract at Fulham includes an option-to-buy clause. As such, the club is not mandated to sign him upon the expiration of his loan deal.
However, there is a fixed transfer fee of €23 million if the Cottagers ultimately decide to make the move permanent.
When asked about the possibility of signing Chukwueze permanently, Coach Marco Silva offered a coy response.
He reiterated, however, that the Super Eagles star would have to produce a consistent run of impressive performances in order to earn a permanent contract at Fulham.
“Too early, but of course we all recognise the quality that Chukwueze has,” Silva said, per Jack Kelly.
“We go in the direction to see consistency in the way he’s going to perform, to train every single day, and after, the physical aspect of the Premier League.”
Chukwueze is just 26 years old, and he would want to continue playing at the highest level. The only way to do that is by performing at Fulham.
If he fails at Fulham, it would be difficult for him to get a decent club afterwards.