Chelsea star Chris Nkunku is facing a harsh reality once he is back in top form. The Frenchman had already been warned through Ralf Rangnick about his move to Stamford Bridge and the former Manchester United manager’s comments now ring true.
Chelsea have reached an agreement with RB Leipzig to sign Nkunku at the end of 2022. The Blues finalised a £53 million payment for a move that would continue until the following summer.
Chelsea went on to have their most turbulent season in recent memory, while Nkunku finished leading goalscorer in the Bundesliga. Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter were both sacked during the campaign, with interim boss Frank Lampard failing to have a positive impact during his second spell at the club.
Mauricio Pochettino arrived in west London this summer hoping to bring about a change of fortune. Nkunku joined his new club at the start of pre-season, aiming to get off to a good start.
But he injured his knee in a friendly against Borussia Dortmund in early August, which sidelined him. Chelsea have struggled in his absence, sitting 12th in the Premier League with just five wins in 16 games.
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Nkunku is the latest to return and make a competitive debut, but maybe not everything will be rosy once he steps onto the field.
Rangnick, who was sporting director when Leipzig signed Nkunku in 2019, sent a warning to the 26-year-old earlier this year. He claimed Chelsea were not an attractive club for any player to join and said it “hurts my heart” to see Nkunku join them.
Rangnick told Bild in April: “At the moment, no matter who comes in as manager, you can’t propose anyone to leave. The first thing you need to do is identify some kind of strategy and reduce the team. “to a moderate size. That any coach can work with.
“I’m also thinking about a player whose commitment to RB Leipzig worries me at least a little: Christopher Nkunku. For me, one of the most productive attacking midfielders out there right now.
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“And who, in my opinion, will move to Chelsea too soon. Imagine arriving at a Club that is in the state it is in now.
“A player like that. It personally harms my center. If I were his adviser or his father, I would be very worried right now. “
By April, Nkunku may simply not return. The deal with Chelsea is done and all you can do is hope things work out.
So far, the flexible striker has endured a dismal era in England and Chelsea have desperately missed a player of his quality. Nkunku hopes he can get Rangnick out badly if he finally shows up in the festive era.
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