Christopher Nkunku Set to Leave Chelsea After Just Two Years

Chelsea and Christopher Nkunku are likely to part ways this summer. The forward’s exit has become part of the club’s plan for the upcoming transfer window. Nkunku’s departure comes after a difficult season for both him and the team.

WHAT’S CHANGED AT CHELSEA?

Nkunku‘s exit now seems almost certain, with both the club and player agreeing on a move away after a tough campaign. The French attacker joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in June 2023 for £52 million but has struggled with injuries and regular playing time under new head coach Enzo Maresca. He has missed several recent matches due to selection choices and minor injuries. Speculation has grown after he was left out of matchday squads late in the season.

WHY THE MOVE MAKES SENSE

Chelsea finished the 2024/25 Premier League season outside the European places, and disappointing results put pressure on the squad and coaching staff. Nkunku, the Bundesliga Player of the Season in 2021-22, has not consistently shown his best form at Stamford Bridge. Injuries and a lack of opportunities in the Premier League contributed to this, though he played more regularly in the Conference League, where Chelsea reached the semi-finals. The club plans to reshape the squad, and Nkunku is viewed as having significant value in the transfer market. Several top European clubs are reportedly interested, with Bayern Munich and Manchester United among them.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Chelsea are expected to find buyers for Nkunku without much difficulty, given his pedigree and reasonable wage demands. The club may consider both permanent and loan moves, though a full sale is preferred to help fund incoming transfers. As Chelsea aims to rebuild and move up the Premier League table next season, the focus will shift to finding a replacement who better fits Maresca’s tactical plans. For Nkunku, the summer transfer window presents an opportunity for a fresh start at a club where he can play a key role and revive his career after a stop-start spell in London.