Osimhen, Ejuke return as Chukwueze gets Milan lifeline
Victor Osimhen and Chidera Ejuke have returned to their clubs for pre-season, while Samuel Chukwueze has been handed a fresh chance to revive his AC Milan career.
Three of Nigeria’s most prominent football exports are navigating pivotal moments in their club careers as the 2026/27 season approaches. Victor Osimhen is heading back to Galatasaray after an extended break, Chidera Ejuke has reported for pre-season duty at Sevilla, and Samuel Chukwueze has been handed an unexpected lifeline at AC Milan by new head coach Ruben Amorim.
Osimhen Returns to Galatasaray After Record-Breaking Campaign
Victor Osimhen is expected to resume training with Galatasaray on Friday after being granted additional time off by head coach Okan Buruk. The 27-year-old was notably absent when the Turkish champions officially commenced pre-season earlier this week, a development that reignited speculation over his future amid reported interest from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid and several clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
However, reports from Turkey indicate that the striker’s absence was fully approved by Galatasaray and was unrelated to any potential transfer. Osimhen was spotted boarding a private jet on Wednesday, with the trip widely believed to be his journey back to Turkey ahead of his return to training. He was one of several senior members of the squad handed an extended holiday, with Buruk opting to stagger the return of key players before intensifying preparations for the new season.
The Super Eagles striker heads into the campaign on the back of another outstanding season, having completed his permanent €75 million (approximately ₦118 billion) move from Napoli in the summer of 2025, a transfer that made him the most expensive signing in Turkish football history. He justified that investment with another prolific campaign, scoring 15 league goals and providing five assists in 22 appearances. He also impressed in Europe, contributing seven goals and three assists in the UEFA Champions League.
Although transfer speculation intensified towards the end of last season, Osimhen appeared to draw a line under the rumours by publicly reaffirming his desire to remain at Galatasaray. The Turkish champions are expected to hold on to their star striker unless a substantial offer arrives before the transfer window closes.
Galatasaray will continue their pre-season preparations with a training camp in Windischgarsten, Austria, from 23 to 29 July, where they will face AC Monza and Venezia before rounding off their programme with a high-profile friendly against Villarreal on 8 August.
Ejuke Begins Sevilla Pre-Season with Specialised Programme
Meanwhile, Chidera Ejuke has reported back to Sevilla as preparations begin for the new La Liga season. The Nigerian winger arrived at the club’s training base on Thursday morning for his first session since the squad resumed pre-season earlier in the week. Rather than joining the main group immediately, the 28-year-old completed a specialised programme, suggesting the club is managing his return carefully.
Ejuke’s return to Sevilla comes after a season in which he has been an important part of the squad. The winger’s ability to beat defenders and create chances remains a key asset for the Spanish side as they prepare for the challenges of the new campaign.
Amorim Opens Door for Chukwueze at AC Milan
Samuel Chukwueze’s AC Milan career may be far from over after new head coach Ruben Amorim suggested the Super Eagles winger remains firmly in his plans ahead of the 2026/27 season. The Nigerian international had been widely tipped to leave the San Siro this summer following a loan spell at Fulham, but Amorim’s latest comments have opened the door for the 27-year-old to revive his fortunes with the Rossoneri.
Chukwueze spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan in the Premier League, contributing three goals and four assists in 23 appearances for Fulham. Despite his impressive flashes of brilliance, the London club opted not to trigger the €26 million option to make the move permanent, sending the winger back to Milan for pre-season amid growing uncertainty over his future.
However, speaking at his first pre-season press conference, Amorim made it clear that every player will be given the opportunity to prove themselves before any decisions are taken on departures. The Portuguese tactician identified Chukwueze’s ability to beat opponents in one-on-one situations as a valuable asset, insisting such qualities are essential for the style of football he intends to implement.
“There are some players who weren’t here last year. Chukwueze is staying with us; we need players who can play one-on-one,” Amorim said via SempreMilan. He stressed that Milan’s transfer decisions will be made only after a thorough pre-season assessment, while keeping the club’s financial realities in mind. “Then after the pre-season we’ll decide, but always with an eye on the budget. We’ll evaluate the young players. Chukwueze has great qualities and gives us alternatives,” Amorim said.
The encouraging remarks come as a significant boost for Chukwueze, who has made no secret of his desire to succeed at the San Siro.
This mirrors the 2013-2014 period when a generation of Nigerian players, including Victor Moses, John Obi Mikel and Odion Ighalo, were navigating pivotal moments in their European careers. The mechanism then was different, but the result was the same: Nigerian players proving they belong at the highest level.
The winners: Nigerian football fans, who have three players to follow across Europe’s top leagues; the players themselves, who have opportunities to shine. The losers: the Nigerian Football Federation, which must ensure these players are properly integrated into the national team setup, and the clubs that may lose these players if they fail to secure their futures.
Bottom Line: Osimhen is back in Turkey, Ejuke is in Spain, and Chukwueze has a lifeline in Milan. Three Nigerian stars, three different paths. The season ahead will tell us which paths lead to glory.