Italian football giants AC Milan have reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing young African talent with the official announcement of a new long-term contract for Nigeria U20 international, Victor Eletu. The highly rated midfielder has signed an extension that will keep him at the San Siro until at least 2027, with the deal including an option for an additional year, potentially extending his stay until 2028.
The 20-year-old playmaker, who rose to prominence through Milan’s Primavera (youth) system, is seen as a key prospect in the club’s long-term sporting project. Eletu’s new contract is not just a vote of confidence in his potential but also a sign of Milan’s strategic approach to investing in youthful, international talent, especially from Africa.
A Vote of Confidence Despite Injury Setbacks
Eletu’s career trajectory at Milan has not been without challenges. He has had to contend with a series of injuries that disrupted what had been a highly promising rise through the youth ranks. Nevertheless, the club has shown unwavering belief in his abilities.
According to renowned Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Milan considers Eletu “a vital piece in their long-term plans.” Despite his physical setbacks, Di Marzio noted that Milan’s technical team is particularly impressed by Eletu’s vision, composure, and tactical intelligence, qualities that are increasingly rare in midfielders of his age.
Now recovered and back in full training, Eletu is expected to join AC Milan’s U23 squad for the pre-season ahead of the 2025–2026 campaign. His inclusion in the developmental side is aimed at giving him regular competitive minutes and the platform to regain his best form.
Glimpses at the Senior Level
Although yet to make his official debut for the senior team, Eletu has come tantalisingly close. He was included in AC Milan’s matchday squad on three occasions—twice for UEFA Europa League fixtures and once for a Serie A clash. While he did not get any minutes on the pitch, his repeated presence in the senior squad shows that he is very much on the radar of Milan’s first-team coaches.
His time with the Primavera team had already made a significant impression, with the Nigerian midfielder consistently delivering standout performances before injuries momentarily halted his rise. His ball distribution, positional awareness, and leadership in midfield drew comparisons with established stars in Serie A.
A Symbol of Milan’s Africa Project
Eletu’s extension fits into a wider strategy by AC Milan, who have historically maintained strong scouting and development links with Africa. The club’s current management, under sporting director Geoffrey Moncada and technical director Zlatan Ibrahimović, have reportedly placed a renewed focus on youth development, with a particular eye on West African talent.
Eletu, born in Lagos, Nigeria, joined Milan’s youth system after catching the eye of scouts while playing in local Nigerian academies. His development has been closely monitored by both AC Milan and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), who are eager to integrate him into the Super Eagles setup once he is playing regularly at senior level.
With Nigeria placing increasing emphasis on developing players abroad to strengthen its national teams, Eletu’s rise could not come at a better time.
Eyes on a Breakthrough Season
The 2025–2026 season is shaping up to be pivotal for Eletu. While it is not yet clear whether he will be promoted permanently to AC Milan’s senior squad, the plan is to ease him back to top form through consistent playing time with the Milan U23 side, which now competes in the Italian Serie C.
Club insiders believe Eletu has what it takes to break into the first team by the latter part of the season, especially if he remains injury-free and continues to perform.
Milan’s head coach has spoken glowingly in the past about the club’s youth prospects, stressing that “talent must be accompanied by mental resilience.” Eletu is widely praised not just for his skill, but also for his discipline, humility, and strong work ethic, all qualities that suggest he may be on the cusp of a breakthrough.
International Prospects
On the international scene, Victor Eletu remains eligible to represent Nigeria at senior level and has already featured prominently in the Flying Eagles setup (Nigeria’s U20 team). He played a central role in the team’s midfield during their qualification campaign for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA U20 World Cup.
The NFF has made it clear that players like Eletu form the cornerstone of its next-generation Super Eagles blueprint. With a strong season in Italy, he could earn his first call-up to the senior national team and potentially compete in major tournaments such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Final Thoughts
Eletu’s new contract with AC Milan is more than a personal milestone—it’s a testament to the growing reputation of Nigerian players in Europe and the continued belief in Africa as a talent-rich continent. For Milan, it’s another smart investment in the future. For Eletu, it’s the next step in what could become a stellar football journey.
As he looks to re-establish himself after an injury-interrupted period, all eyes will be on the young Nigerian to see if he can deliver on the immense promise he has shown. For fans of Nigerian football and AC Milan alike, Victor Eletu represents the kind of exciting future that blends talent, perseverance, and global ambition.
