Fulham manager Marco Silva has opened up about his sole regret regarding the sensational start of Nigerian international Samuel Chukwueze at the club: the timing of his arrival.
Despite being dazzled by Chukwueze’s recent standout performances—including a decisive role in the win over Sunderland and an assist against Tottenham Hotspur—Silva believes the winger’s delayed transfer slowed his integration. The Super Eagles star joined from AC Milan on transfer deadline day, forcing him to miss the crucial pre-season training period.
Silva admitted the initial lack of early integration meant Chukwueze spent weeks restricted to brief substitute appearances, playing “catch-up” with the squad’s rhythm. Reflecting on the now-in-form player, the Portuguese boss stated plainly: “I would have preferred to have had Chukwueze earlier, in pre-season.”
Now that the Nigerian is firing on all cylinders, Silva is “very pleased” but cannot shake the feeling that a summer arrival would have unlocked his key starter status much sooner.
