Fulham manager Marco Silva has pushed back against growing excitement that the club is close to securing a permanent move for Samuel Chukwueze, insisting that both the player and the club are in no rush to settle his long-term future.
Chukwueze, currently on loan from AC Milan, has quickly endeared himself to Fulham supporters. His explosive cameo against Manchester City—where he came off the bench to score twice in a dramatic 5–4 defeat—earned him a starting spot in the following match and amplified calls for Fulham to trigger the option to buy in his loan agreement.
However, Silva says it is too early to discuss anything definitive.
“It’s not the moment to talk about a permanent transfer. We have plenty of time to make that decision,” Silva explained after Sunday’s match. “We’re calm, he’s calm. He knows what he needs to keep doing for the team, and when the time is right, we’ll make the right choice.”
The Fulham boss praised the Nigerian winger’s professionalism and attitude since arriving from Italy. Chukwueze, who joined Milan from Villarreal last year, has shown glimpses of the flair and creativity that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young forwards.
“He’s a mature guy with real quality,” Silva noted. “We want to see even more from him, but he doesn’t need to prove himself every week. He’s an international, he’s played for a major European club—he understands pressure. More importantly, he brings a great spirit to the group. He works hard, he smiles, he enjoys the challenge.”
Chukwueze’s early performances have strengthened his connection with the Fulham fanbase, who have embraced him with enthusiasm. Speaking to club media, the winger said the supporters have given him an emotional lift.
“The fans are unbelievable. I love them, and honestly, I think I want them even more than they want me,” he said with a laugh. “Even when we were down 5–1, they kept shouting and pushing us. Their energy gives me confidence. Whether I play 10 minutes or 30, I just want to give everything for the team.”
Silva rewarded Chukwueze’s recent form with a place in the starting XI for Fulham’s latest Premier League outing. Despite a narrow defeat sealed by a late Marc Guehi header at Craven Cottage, the winger’s presence added a fresh spark going forward—fueling further optimism about what he could become for the club.
For now, Fulham are keeping their focus on the matches ahead rather than contract negotiations. But with Chukwueze settling quickly and winning hearts on and off the pitch, the conversation around his future is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
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