2 years ago
Christopher Nkunku appears to be on his way out of RB Leipzig this summer, and Liverpool must make sure they are in the running for his signing.
Jürgen Klopp has a chance to recruit one of the Bundesliga’s most promising players this summer, with Christopher Nkunku attracting interest from Europe’s best clubs.
However, while Liverpool have yet to make an approach, Manchester United have been considering a move for the 24-year-old Frenchman, and the Reds may have to replicate their Luis Daz heist if they are to sign him.
The RB Leipzig midfielder has been one of Europe’s most productive players this season, contributing on both sides of the pitch as well as in the center, and with Liverpool preferring central options who can influence the game on the ball, Nkunku could be the ideal player to groom before taking over from Roberto Firmino.
On Friday night, the dynamic attacker made his senior international debut as France defeated Ivory Coast 2-0, a promising start to life in the squad where his form couldn’t have come at a better time. The Qatar 2022 World Cup will be held at the end of the year, and Nkunku’s form in the Bundesliga is demonstrating why his stock will climb in tandem.
His current market value is £58.5 million, according to Transfermarkt. FSG may have missed the boat in terms of acquiring him at the best possible time, but the Reds can still have a role in where he goes next. In 39 games this season, the 24-year-old has 26 goals and 10 assists, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League group stages in September.
When the opportunity arises, he is fast to take his shot, but he is also no stranger to selfless runs in behind the defense. According to FBref, he is in the top 4% of forwards in the world when it comes to working shots at goal, and he has also been impressive this season with progressive carries and passes when playing.
And it’s under Klopp’s tutelage that Nkunku might take his midfield game to the next level. Liverpool will soon need to find replacements for players like Thiago and Jordan Henderson, who are now in their 30s, but it might work in their favor when it comes to negotiating. Due to the club’s current success, there is no need to add another star to the midfield, allowing Leipzig to keep Nkunku on loan for another season.
A similar tactic must be used to prevent Nkunku from moving to Old Trafford, similar to how Liverpool moved quickly to sign Luis Dáz after Tottenham Hotspur made an official offer for him.
While more expensive than other of FSG’s recent purchases, Naby Keta’s improved form this season has showed that Leipzig’s identity allows for a seamless transition into Klopp’s system – all it took was a transfer repetition for FSG to land one of the best goalscoring midfielders this season.
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