Former AC Milan technical director,Paolo Maldini, has criticized the €30m investment made in Samuel Chukwueze, considering it a misallocation of funds.
Chukwueze’s transfer from Villarreal to Milan on a five-year deal marked the club’s most expensive signing during the summer.
In an interview with Italian daily La Repubblica on Friday, Maldini, reflecting on his departure from Milan on June 5, expressed disappointment, stating that the 24-year-old Nigerian has not lived up to the expectations commensurate with his significant transfer fee.
Despite Chukwueze’s impressive statistics of 13 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Villarreal last season, his performance at AC Milan has been less impactful, with only one goal and an assist in 12 games.
Maldini, a revered figure at Rossoneri and known for his signings like Theo Hernandez, Rafael Leao, Mike Maignan, and Fikayo Tomori during his tenure as director, alongside his collaborator Frederic Massara, was recognized with the Sporting Director of the Year award at the 2022 Globe Soccer Awards.
“There was no need to sign Loftus-Cheek, Pulisic and Chukwueze,” Maldini said.
“You cannot compare the previous four transfer windows to the last one. Milan had different quality options unlike this summer.
“I would like to point out that all the players who arrived were approved by me, nothing or no-one was ever imposed on me, also because I would’ve left the next day.
He also stated that securing Zlatan’s signing demanded multiple meetings during his era.
Chukwueze is anticipated to maintain his position in Milan’s starting lineup as they prepare to confront Frosinone today, Saturday.
