Villarreal have placed a huge €50 million price tag on their prized Nigerian winger, Samuel Chukwueze, with the worth coming in the wake of the player winning the best African player in La Liga award. This is also as Real Madrid have made enquiries over the availability the winger.
According to Diario AS, Real Madrid are interested in Chukwueze as they look lightweight in attack following the departure of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard and Mariano Diaz.
With Chukwueze having a year left on his contract, the Spanish sports newspaper is reporting that Villarreal are seeking a club record-equalling transfer fee of 40 million euros (approximately N19.7 billion in Nigerian currency) for the Super Eagles winger.
Democratic Republic of Congo center forward Cédric Bakambu left Villarreal for Beijing Guoan in exchange for 40 million euros in January 2018 – the most expensive outbound transfer in Villarreal’s history to date.
Chukwueze caught the attention of the Los Blancos hierarchy when he scored two fantastic goals to give Villarreal a huge victory against the Spanish Giants at the Santiago Bernabeu in April.
The right winger was brilliant in the just-concluded season, scoring 13 goals and registering 11 assists in all competitions which also marked the best season in his career in terms of goal involvements.
The 2021 Europa League winners are preparing for his exit as confirmed by their manager, Quique Setien in his final post-match press conference of the 2022-2023 season.
A World Cup winner with the Golden Eaglets in 2015, Chukwueze has played nonstop at Villarreal since 2017.
Meanwhile, Chukwueze clinched the prestigious title of the best African player in La Liga for the 2022-2023 season.
The Super Eagles winger triumphed in a fiercely contested competition that involved the participation of over 30,000 dedicated fans and 26 esteemed journalists hailing from various corners of the globe.
Chukwueze’s remarkable achievement surpassed the illustrious performances of esteemed figures such as Yassine Bono, the gifted Moroccan shot-stopper representing Sevilla, the dynamic forward Iñaki Williams from Ghana and Atletico Bilbao, and the prolific Youssef En-Nesyri, who proudly represents both Morocco and Sevilla.
The Nigerian prodigy’s path to glory was paved by his scintillating displays on the pitch, where he proved to be a force to be reckoned with.
Across 37 league matches, Chukwueze showcased his exceptional skills by netting six goals and providing five assists for his Villarreal teammates.
Notably, his remarkable brace against the revered Real Madrid at the legendary Bernabeu stadium earlier this year further bolstered his credentials.
In a remarkable feat, Chukwueze registered a total of 13 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, marking the first time he has reached double figures for both goals and assists in a single campaign.
Nevertheless, uncertainty looms over Chukwueze’s future at Villarreal beyond this exceptional season.
The 24-year-old prodigy has attracted the attention of prominent clubs, including the illustrious Real Madrid and a host of Premier League contenders, such as Everton and Aston Villa.
Aston Villa, in particular, appear determined to secure the services of the highly sought-after talent and is reportedly willing to part with a substantial sum of €50 million to acquire Villarreal’s prized asset.
