In the Bundesliga 2021-22, Robert Lewandowski is still in extremely impressive form with 35 goals for Bayern Munich. However, the Polish striker still had to give the Best Player award to Christopher Nkunku of RB Leipzig. In his peak season, the French midfielder scored 20 goals and 13 assists in the Bundesliga. In addition, he also contributed greatly to helping the "homegrown" Red Bull win the German National Cup.
Thanks to that, Nkunku has fallen into the target of a series of tycoons, in which Chelsea and Manchester United are considered the most enthusiastic. The Blues have just parted ways with Romelu Lukaku so they want a replacement, while M.U cannot rely on 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo alone.
However, Nkunku has locked all doors to leave Leipzig when he decided to extend his contract with the German team until 2026. Choosing to stay with Leipzig, Nkunku is very happy: "I am very happy to continue playing for RB Leipzig. After the incredible performance in the German Cup, things will not stop. We want to conquer more titles.
The team tried very hard to keep me and that touched me. Thank you everyone for trusting me and especially Mr. Oliver mintzlaff, who is always by my side," RB Leipzig's homepage quoted Nkunku as saying.
Although they will not leave the Bundesliga for now, big teams still have a chance to recruit the French star. Because in the new contract, Nkunku cleverly included a release clause worth 60 million Euros in 2023. After Haaland's deal to move to Man City for only 70 million Euros, Nkunku's team realized their lesson. This ensures that the 24-year-old midfielder can move to a bigger team when the opportunity is ripe.
Having played a pivotal role for RB Leipzig for many seasons, it was not until this year that Nkunku was promoted to the French national team. Of course, the 24-year-old midfielder's immediate goal is to land a starting spot at the 2022 World Cup in November. This also explains why Nkunku chose to stay at RB Leipzig. In Germany, he has continued to maintain his high form, thereby gaining the trust of coach Didier Deschamps.
If he goes to England, Nkunku will have to adapt from the start with Chelsea or M.U. Surely Nkunku also saw the example of his former teammate Timo Werner, the German star who played explosively in the Bundesliga before moving to the Premier League and becoming a big disappointment.
Many people believe that Nkunku will soon take place for Antoine Griezmann in the national team. Currently, the Atletico Madrid star is at the bottom of his form, having failed to score in 32 consecutive matches at the club and national team level.
Speaking about the competition between Nkunku and Griezmann, coach Deschamps is not completely leaning towards either side: "They are two very different types of players. Christopher tends to play as a striker, while Griezmann focuses on providing assists for his teammates. Christopher is really good, he's not tall but he's always good at taking up space. Antoine can do those things too, but his role is to build the game."
