Krishnan Sreekumar
RB Leipzig determined to keep Manchester United transfer target Christopher Nkunku beyond the summer
Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t Independent), RB Leipzig president Oliver Mintzlaff has sent a strong message about the future of forward Christopher Nkunku and claimed that he will remain their player next year, in what will come as a transfer blow to Manchester United.
Nkunku is currently enjoying his most prolific season yet at Leipzig, becoming their go-to man for goals and assists not just in the Bundesliga, but also in Europe. His fine performances for the German side have also earned him a call-up to the French national team.
His amazing displays in the attack had caught the eyes of Man United, who are looking for reinforcements to add to their forward line after suffering a poor campaign this time around in terms of goalscoring and chances created.
Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford have not been able to contribute to the team this season, with the former hardly available for selection due to recurring injury problems while the latter has looked low on form and confidence throughout.
“Our player next year”
The re-signing of Cristiano Ronaldo has proven to be a partial success, with the club legend beginning his second spell in Manchester on a good note and finding the back of the net regularly. However, 2022 has seen his form dip and become patchy at times, showing inconsistency.
Nkunku was looked at as a possible target to improve our attack next season, but Mintzlaff has insisted that the Frenchman will stay with them. However, he did still somewhat leave the door open on the forward’s departure in the future, saying that “in football, nobody is unsellable”.
“Nkunku will be our player next year.”
The Leipzig president’s comments seem to contradict themselves, with Mintzlaff admitting that the player could perhaps be sold eventually, although he sent a strong message to Nkunku’s suitors about the attacker’s availability next term.
They will hope that the 24-year-old continues his wonderful performances for them, especially in the UEFA Europa League, where they have reached the semi-finals of the competition and are due to face Rangers across two legs to make it to the summit clash.
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Despite being heavily linked with a move to United in the summer, the Bundesliga club are not under any pressure to sell him as his contract with Leipzig lasts until 2024. They have the luxury of fending off interest for him, as well as determining the price tag to snap him up.
Having appointed Erik ten Hag as their new manager, the Red Devils are preparing for an exciting summer of recruiting top talent to play the kind of attractive football the Dutchman is known for. It remains to be seen if Nkunku is the type of player ten Hag is keen on, and whether Leipzig can be tempted with an offer for him that they can’t refuse.
