Samuel Chukwueze: Is It Goodbye to El Madrigal?

After five years at the Estadio de la Cerámica, Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze may be bidding Villarreal goodbye, with several European giants, including his latest victim – Real Madrid scrambling for his signature

With 13 goals and 11 assists, Samuel Chukueze is having his best season ever since joining Villarreal in 2018 and his performance has not gone unnoticed with a number of Premier League clubs having made enquiries about the Nigerian.

Indeed, it was his performance last weekend against Real Madrid that has sent tongues really wagging about the quality of the U17 World Cup winner’s real quality, which has even attracted the attention of Spanish giants, Madrid.

Chukwueze has impressed this season and could be set to leave Villarreal if a tempting offer arrives from Los Blancos, after he scored twice for Villarreal in a 3-2 win at the Santiago Bernabeu last Saturday in a performance that could end up helping him secure a move to the Spanish capital.

Spanish tabloid, Marca, reports that Los Blancos have been impressed by the forward, with president Florentino Perez dreaming of having Chukwueze on one flank and Vinicius Junior on the other.

Real Madrid could be in the market to strengthen their attack in the summer. Marco Asensio is out of contract and Carlo Ancelotti has said he “doesn’t care” if the forward signs a new deal. Eden Hazard’s future is also uncertain, with the Belgian struggling for minutes once again at the Bernabeu.

Chukwueze became the first player to complete seven dribbles in a LaLiga match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu (seven out of eight) since Lionel Messi in April 2017 (seven out of 11).

La Liga champion, Real Madrid, are keeping a careful eye on Chukwueze owing to his recent strong play for Villarreal.

The Vikings are reportedly aiming to bolster their team, and club president Florentino Pérez has shown interest in the Super Eagles forward.

The actions of the Nigerian star enabled the Yellow Submarines to close the gap in the contest for next season’s right to compete in Europe, which was essential to their stunning triumph against Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

The Super Eagles winger tied the score at the Santiago Bernabéu following a teammate’s own goal, and he added another goal to give Quique Setién’s squad the win.

Following this, sources indicated that Fiorentina was interested in the Nigerian talent and spoke with Spanish billionaire Fernando Roig about the prospect of signing him to pair with Brazilian Vinicius Junior.

According to Peter Paul Parrado, “Florentino liked it and in the box they (Fiorentina Perez and Fernando Roig) discussed the possibility of having Vinicius in one band and Chukwueze in the other, two daggers.”

The 23-year-old has previously attracted interest from Premier League teams like Aston Villa and Arsenal, but he wouldn’t turn down a chance to play for Real Madrid due to their big stature.

The contract of the Nigerian star at the Estadio de la Cerámica is set to expire in June 2024; for a fee of around 50 million euros, the Nigerian international may decide to swap teams, and the club aiming to make a big profit on him during the next summer transfer window.

Chukwueze’s impressive performance for Villarreal this season has sparked interest from some top clubs who are willing to secure his signature.

However, Villarreal’s €80 Million buyout clause on the Super Eagles star, could dent his move to Real Madrid after President Pérez reportedly expressed interest in signing the talented Nigerian winger to team up with Brazilian superstar Vinícius Júnior, but the attacker’s desired transfer may be thwarted by an €80 million release clause.

The Nigerian star began his career with the Yellow Submarine in 2018 for a sum of €500k, and since then, he has shown much more value in the Spanish league than he was signed for.

But, the Groguet, who have the intention of selling the Nigerian for a fee in the range of €80 million and €75 million and making a profit, could dash Chukwueze’s dream of following the footstep of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, in Madrid.

Meanwhile, Villarreal have vowed never to forget Chukwueze‘s performance after he scored twice to help the club record their second-ever win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 23-year-old Nigerian winger had gone seven times without finding the target against Los Blancos in the Spanish topflight, but he finally broke his La Liga scoring drought against them in the match last Saturday.

Chukwueze’s brace was crucial as Villarreal came from behind twice to secure 3-2 comeback victory over Ancelotti’s team.

The Super Eagles winger brought his La Liga tally to 21 goals with the strike, a mark he has reached in just 145 games. With 13 goals in the 2022-23 league season alone, he has been one of the main reasons Villarreal is eyeing a place in the Champions League next season.

Chukwueze’s first goal was magical as he turned Nacho inside out before sending goalkeeper Courtois the wrong way.

The Nigeria international completed his double 10 minutes from time when he curled Villarreal’s winner into the top corner of Courtois’ goal from 25 yards.

In the process, the African became only the second Villarreal player to score a brace in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid, after Diego Forlan in May 2006.

And Villarreal’s official Twitter account summed up Chukwueze’s exceptional performance, saying: “We won’t ever forget his performance today.”

With 13 goals and 11 assists, Chukwueze has the second-highest goal haul and the most assist on Quique Setién’s squad, highlighting his brilliance and status as one of Villarreal’s key players.

Chukwueze began his European career in 2018 when he joined Villarreal and in 217 games for Villarreal, he has tallied 41 goals and 33 assists.