UEFA Regulations Halt Villarreal’s Attempt to Re-sign Chukwueze

• Villarreal targets a loan move for Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze, but UEFA regulations complicate the potential return
• Despite Chukwueze’s impressive season at AC Milan, UEFA rules prevent him from returning on loan to Villarreal in January

As the January transfer window approaches, Villarreal, a Spanish La Liga club, is eager to secure the loan signing of Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze, who left the club for Serie A giants AC Milan in the previous summer. However, UEFA regulations pose a significant obstacle to this potential move.

Chukwueze’s departure from Villarreal to AC Milan involved protracted negotiations, with the Italian club ultimately securing his services for €20m plus €8m in add-ons. Despite his impressive performance with Villarreal in the 2022/23 season, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists, the 24-year-old has faced challenges in adapting to the Serie A, registering only two goals in 17 appearances.

Villarreal, currently struggling in the Spanish top flight and positioned 13th in the league, aims to strengthen its squad in the upcoming transfer window. Manager Marcelino has identified Chukwueze as a primary target, hoping to bolster the team’s attacking options.

However, a UEFA regulation complicates the potential reunion between Chukwueze and Villarreal. The regulation stipulates that a player cannot return on loan to a team they left before their contract expired. Chukwueze’s transfer to Milan included a contract with one more year remaining, leading UEFA to consider him as holding two federative licenses this season: one with Milan and one with Villarreal.

The attempt to bring Chukwueze back on loan has been ruled out, forcing Villarreal to explore alternative options in the transfer market. Despite the setback, the club remains focused on reinforcing the squad, with priorities including signing a central defender and an unbalanced right winger.

While UEFA regulations may hinder Chukwueze’s return to Villarreal, the club continues its efforts to strengthen the team and address key positions in the winter transfer window.