Perhaps no Chelsea signing has been injured more than Christopher Nkunku, the £52m man who doesn’t seem to be able to play on the pitch at Stamford Bridge long enough to play. Chelsea fans will soon be saying their goodbyes to a player who flashed so much potential before falling short sporadically, with Barcelona reportedly interested in swooping for the French forward in January.
It was almost like ordering fancy dessert and having the waiter drop it on the way, and it’s almost like what Nkunku’s story at Chelsea feels like. It was a big build-up, even after his exploits at Leipzig, where he scored 58 goals in two seasons and was Bundesliga Player of the Season. Injuries restricted him to a few Premier League starts, but Maresca’s Enzo has left him short of game time, fully fit.
The Barcelona Buzz: Can Christopher Nkunku Be Lewandowski’s Successor?
With Robert Lewandowski set to leave, Barcelona is interested in Nkunku, a club never to turn down a nice transfer rumor. Lewy is still banging in goals at 36, but it is clear the Catalan giants don’t want to be future-proofing their attack. But Nkunku arrives, subbing just past the half-hour mark, and he’s proving he can score in cup competitions (five goals in five Europa Conference League games, three in the Carabao Cup).
The reports also say that Nkunku is happy to take a pay cut if it means swapping Ajax for Bayern. Barcelona is ready to at least speak to his agent, Pini Zahavi, over a deal. But Nkunku’s potential and versatility could persuade Barca to shy away, given the well-chronicled financial woes of the Catalans.
Chelsea’s Dilemma: To Sell or Not to Sell?
Uriel has seen Chelsea’s surprising title challenge this season (yes, you read that correctly) make Nkunku’s limited minutes any less surprising. With a boast worth delivering, the Blues sit second in the table, four points adrift of Liverpool and in dreamland compared to recent seasons. And with a healthy mix of attacking options, including Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer, it’s easy to see why Nkunku would feel surplus to requirements.
Does selling Nkunku make sense, though? Well, Chelsea might think so. It would free up wages and possibly add money to other areas for reinforcements. It’s said Napoli is also interested, sparking a bidding war. Anyway, who doesn’t like a bit of January transfer drama?
My Take on Christopher Nkunku’s Situation
I think the fact that Christopher Nkunku left Chelsea feels like watching the “Game of Thrones” finale—it had endless potential, but somehow it just didn’t click. I’m not denying that Nkunku is a baller and his Leipzig numbers aren’t a lie. However, if he’s not playing 90 minutes available to him in the Premier League even when fit, perhaps having a crack at Stamford Bridge isn’t the right stage for him. Barcelona may be exactly the kind of club for someone then—a place to give you license to apply your flair and creativity as opposed to stifling it.
Why This Move Makes Sense
Nkunku’s frustration is hardly surprising. But otherwise, his Premier League appearances have been sporadic, despite unusually strong performances in cup competitions. Perhaps a move to Barcelona would not only give him a fresh start but also, seeing as this way suits his attacking instincts, it’ll be playing in a system that will suit him. Let’s not forget the attraction of Pedri, Gavi, and an old but still toxic Lewandowski.
Leaving Nkunku behind could seriously hurt Chelsea, but it would also be the smart one. And with their title challenge in full swing, they need 100 percent committed players that can fit into Maresca’s system. If Nkunku is actually adamant about leaving, the time to sell now and forget about him is better than it ever will be.
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