Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United receive transfer boost as RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku decides to leave this summer
According to French outlet L’Equipe (h/t The Sun), Manchester United have received a massive transfer boost ahead of the summer transfer window after RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku has decided to call it quits with the Bundesliga club.
The Frenchman has been hugely impressive for Leipzig this term, enjoying his most productive spell in front of the net and becoming their go-to man for goals and assists. The forward has made his mark in both Germany and Europe, with the team now looking to make it to the Europa League final. He currently has 31 goals and 20 assists in 48 games across all competitions this season.
The 24-year-old’s association with the club could come to an end in the coming weeks, however, as he looks to take the next step in his career. That may prove difficult, as the German side is planning to add reinforcements to the squad in the summer in order to challenge Bayern Munich domestically and also push for Champions League success.
Leipzig have already lost out on the Bundesliga title to Bayern this year, and sit fifth in the league table. They still have a good chance of qualifying for the UCL next season before the end of the season, and could ensure that by winning the Europa League later this month.
Heavy interest from European clubs
Nkunku may be enjoying a stellar campaign personally, but with clubs like United, Manchester City, Newcastle United, AC Milan, Bayern, and his former club Paris Saint-Germain picking up interest ahead of the summer, he believes that it is the right time to take the next big step in his career.
The only obstacle in his way would be his current employers, who are keen to build the team around the France international from next season onwards. Further, they are in no hurry to sell him, as his contract runs out only in 2024. It is said that even a massive transfer offer of €100m might not be enough to convince them to part with their star forward.
It is easy to understand why both club and player have differing opinions regarding a move in the summer, as Nkunku and Leipzig enter a crucial period in the coming months to decide collectively on their future.
Leipzig have the Frenchman to thank for their recent rise in Europe, having made it to the semi-finals of the Europa League. If the forward keeps up his current form until the end of the season, they could very well end their campaign with silverware as well as qualify for the Champions League.
For Nkunku, the interest he has received from top clubs across Europe will have convinced him that a move away from his current team would benefit him in the long run. With the World Cup coming around the corner later this year, a massive club like United could provide him the platform to impress Didier Deschamps and make it on the flight to Qatar with the rest of the France national team.
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- Manchester United star Aaron Wan-Bissaka eyed by AS Roma with former Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho keen on the player
The Red Devils could certainly do with someone like him in their squad next season, given they have been overly reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo for their goals this term. At 37, Ronaldo himself may not last much longer at the top, and Nkunku could act as the perfect younger replacement for the club legend.
Moreover, the Frenchman’s versatility is well known at this point. He possesses the ability to play anywhere across the attack and midfield, and would be strengthening multiple positions at Old Trafford if we manage to sign him.
