Chukwueze Must Earn His Stay — Marco Silva Sends Clear Message to Nigerian Winger

Fulham manager Marco Silva has issued a challenge to Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze, insisting the talented loanee must prove himself consistently to seal a permanent move to Craven Cottage.

Chukwueze, who joined Fulham on loan from AC Milan, arrived with high expectations. The deal includes an option to buy for around €23 million—a figure that shows just how much faith the club is willing to place in him, if he earns it.

So far, the Super Eagles star has yet to start a Premier League match, though he has made an impression off the bench with two assists in five league appearances.

Speaking ahead of Fulham’s London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, Silva emphasized that quality alone won’t guarantee Chukwueze a long-term future at the club.

“Too early, but of course we all recognise the quality that Chukwueze has,” Silva said. “We want to see consistency in the way he performs, the way he trains every single day, and after, the physical aspect of the Premier League.”

Opinion: Chukwueze’s Big Chance—and Big Test

Chukwueze’s situation at Fulham perfectly captures the modern Premier League reality: talent gets you noticed, but consistency earns you minutes.

Fulham clearly believe in his abilities—his quick feet, creativity, and ability to beat defenders are tools the squad needs. But the Premier League is unforgiving, and Silva’s comments reflect a coach who wants more than moments of brilliance; he wants reliability.

For Chukwueze, this is not just a loan spell—it’s a career crossroads. A €23m permanent deal would signal Fulham’s full commitment to building around him. But those kinds of investments require proof, not promise.

His two assists show glimpses of what he can bring, and fans who have watched him since Villarreal know he has the spark. What remains is the grind: training hard, understanding the rhythm of English football, and showing Silva he can be trusted as a starter.

This is a golden opportunity for Chukwueze to reinvent himself. If he rises to the challenge, Fulham could become the platform that finally unleashes his full Premier League potential.