Christopher Nkunku signed for the Blues back in the summer of 2023, and was a forward with a very strong reputation, having enjoyed a fantastic period in Germany with RB Leipzig. A graduate of PSG’s youth academy, Nkunku’s reputation was growing among Europe’s elite, and it was seen of something a coup for Chelsea to snap him up for a fee of approximately £52million.
However, the Frenchman’s move to London has not gone exactly to plan so far. Whilst by all means not a disaster, and the 27-year-old has shown his quality on numerous occasions, it’s been far from the rampant success many were expecting, and the attacker, who was supposed to be Chelsea’s solution to their infamous issues in the striking department, has endured a frustrating time in England so far.
A Debut Season to Forget
Through no fault of his own, Nkunku’s debut season in England did not live up to early expectations. Nkunku had enjoyed a promising pre-season tour, linking up well with his teammates and Blues fans were licking their lips at the prospect of what could happen in the league.
Unfortunately, however, Nkunku suffered a serious knee injury which would keep him out for the whole first half of the season. Devastating on both sides, Nkunku was determined to come back stronger and prove why Chelsea invested so heavily for his services.
After a few promising cameos and goals on his return, Nkunku was yet again sidelined with a variety of fitness issues alongside minor injuries. Sadly, this sidelined the Frenchman for the majority of the second half season. But, with a full summer to recover and regain his match fitness, and the promising appointment of Enzo Maresca, Nkunku would be given the opportunity to prove his worth once more.
Demoted to the Second Eleven
Maresca handed Nkunku a start in the opening game of the 2024-25 season – a two-nil defeat at the hands of Manchester City. Ever since then, Nkunku has found himself largely relegated to Chelsea’s ‘B team’, gaining the majority of his minutes in the domestic and European Cups. Nicolas Jackson has been given the task of leading the line in the Premier League and has largely done this exceptionally well.
Whilst Nkunku’s minutes in the Premier League have been limited so far, he has taken the opportunities (albeit against lesser opponents) given to him extremely well – notching up 13 goals in all competitions so far, with only 2 of these coming in the Premier League. Whilst the likes of Barrow and FC Noah aren’t the level of opposition Nkunku will have been expected to be coming up against, he can only score against who he’s up against, and he’s proven time and time again that he has that instinctual knack to know where the back of the net is.
Blowing His Balloon in Barcelona?
With his minutes showing no signs of improving in the Premier League, rumours are circling that Nkunku is pushing for a move away. On the fringes of the French squad and finally at full fitness after a terrible debut season, the 27-year-old still has time on his side to make it at a top club.
A January move may be unlikely, given the likely difficulties Chelsea will face in replacing him. However, the likes of Barcelona have been reportedly interested, whilst French giants PSG are also said to be monitoring his situation, with a spectacular return to the French capital not out of the question.
Nkunku is unlikely to get a move away from London in the January transfer window. However, should his situation not improve in the second half of the season, even if he were to help guide Chelsea to a UEFA Conference League title, it’s likely that Nkunku will push for a move away. When that time comes, Chelsea will be well placed to recoup the majority of the large sum they invested in him several years ago.