UEFA Rule Denies Chukwueze of Possible Villarreal Return

Kunle Adewale

In spite of Samuel Chukwueze failing to settle in at the San Siro since joining AC Milan, a loan return to former club Villarreal has however been ruled out because of a UEFA rule though the Spanish Laliga club are said to be interested in signing the Super Eagles forward on loan.

Chukwueze joined Serie A giants AC Milan in the summer for €28million. The Nigerian attacker was expected to take the league by storm due to his impressive performance last season when he recorded 13 goals and 11 assists in 52 games.

However, the Super Eagles star has not reached the heights expected of him yet. Chukwueze has registered two goals and one assist in 19 games. 

He has shown some glimpses of brilliance, but most times, he has been disappointing.

But Villarreal, who are struggling in the Spanish top flight, are shopping for a winger, and one of their options is Chukwueze because of his history with the club.

According  to Spanish media outlet, AS, the Yellow Submarine have however turned their sights elsewhere because of the UEFA rule, which prohibits players from returning on loan to their former team they left before their contract expire.  

Chukwueze had a year left on his contract before Villarreal sold him in the summer. If he then returns to Villarreal on loan, UEFA would consider it that Chukwueze has two federative licenses this season- that of Milan and that of Villarreal.

Chukwueze just joined AC Milan in the summer, but he has struggled to settle in.