Will Chelsea regret letting Nkunku go?
Image credit: Yimzy
Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea’s French striker, is reportedly nearing a transfer to Bayern Munich after a challenging spell at Stamford Bridge.
Despite arriving with high expectations following a £52 million transfer from RB Leipzig in 2022, injuries and limited playing opportunities have hindered his progress under Chelsea’s current manager, Enzo Maresca.
Nkunku’s first season in England was marred by a serious knee injury during pre-season, followed by a hamstring issue that kept him sidelined for months.
This season, despite recovering his fitness, he has struggled to secure a consistent starting role, often overshadowed by Nicolas Jackson and competing with players like Joao Felix and Cole Palmer.
Bayern Munich’s Interest
According to reports, Nkunku has reached a full verbal agreement with Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga giants, led by sporting director Max Eberl, are keen to secure Nkunku on a long-term deal.
Negotiations are underway, with Chelsea exploring the possibility of including Bayern’s rising star Mathys Tel in the deal to balance the transfer.
Nkunku’s Impact at Chelsea
While his Premier League appearances have been limited—featuring in 18 matches with just three starts—Nkunku has shone in other competitions.
Christo scored the vital winning goal when we played Bournemouth in the reverse fixture. 🎈⏮️ pic.twitter.com/RfdKrmVJ1R
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 13, 2025
In the Europa Conference League, he has scored seven goals and provided three assists, showcasing his potential when given the chance.
Addressing Nkunku’s sporadic appearances, Maresca stated,
We have three players with similar profiles: Joao, Cole, and Christo. It’s tough to balance their game time.
What’s Next for Nkunku?
If the transfer to Bayern Munich materializes, it could be a fresh start for the talented forward to reignite his career at one of Europe’s top clubs.
Meanwhile, Chelsea may use this opportunity to restructure their attacking lineup, possibly securing Mathys Tel as part of the negotiations.
This move marks a pivotal moment in Nkunku’s career as he seeks to establish himself once again at the elite level of football.