Chelsea Football Club clinched the FIFA Club World Cup title, defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 in a thrilling final in New York. Amid the celebrations, Christopher Nkunku emerged as a pivotal figure, his performance in the latter stages of the tournament sparking renewed debate about his future at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old French forward’s contributions during Chelsea’s triumphant campaign have shifted the narrative around his role, but questions linger about whether he will stay or go. The Standard have reported that his role in Chelsea's Club World Cup victory, the Blues are still likely to let him depart this summer, with him previously offered to Manchester United in a swap deal for Alejandro Garnacho.
🚨 Christopher Nkunku is another player likely to leave Chelsea, who featured during the Blues’ successful Club World Cup campaign but is still expected to depart this summer. [@MrDomSmith] pic.twitter.com/gbjKhPtYFA
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) July 15, 2025
A Rollercoaster Journey at Chelsea
Christopher Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in July 2023 for £52 million, arriving with a reputation as one of Europe’s most dynamic attackers. His 70 goals in 172 appearances for Leipzig, including a Bundesliga-topping 20-goal season in 2022-23, promised to elevate Chelsea’s attack. However, injuries and inconsistency have defined his tenure. A knee injury delayed his Premier League debut until December 2023, and despite flashes of brilliance—such as a hat-trick against Barrow A.F.C. in the EFL Cup and 10 goals in 17 appearances across all competitions in 2024-25—Nkunku struggled for consistent starts under manager Enzo Maresca. In the 2024-25 Premier League season, he made 27 appearances but started only nine, scoring three goals, often overshadowed by the likes of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson.
Club World Cup: A Defining Moment
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup proved a stage for Nkunku to shine. Featuring in six of Chelsea’s seven matches, featuring in every knock out game, Nkunku showcased his versatility and clutch ability. His extra-time goal in the 4-1 quarter-final win over Benfica, following a two-hour weather delay, was a highlight, while his assist in the final earned him plaudits. Maresca praised Nkunku’s professionalism, noting, “Christo’s quality is undeniable, and he’s shown he can deliver on the biggest stage.”
Transfer Speculation Amid Triumph
Despite his heroics, Nkunku’s future remains uncertain. Pre-tournament reports suggested Chelsea were open to selling him for £35 million, a significant loss on their investment, with the player deemed “surplus to requirements” due to competition from new signings like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and the impending £55 million arrival of Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Bayern Munich have been linked, with Inter seeing Nkunku as a potential replacement for Mehdi Taremi, and Bayern monitoring him amid their attacking injury crisis.
The Road Ahead
The Club World Cup triumph could be a catalyst for Nkunku to cement his place at Chelsea. With the team competing in the Premier League, UEFA Conference League, and domestic cups, Maresca’s squad rotation will likely offer more opportunities. Nkunku’s versatility—able to play as a No. 10, false nine, or winger—makes him a valuable asset, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming, where he aims to secure a spot in France’s squad. His 10 international caps and recent performances could bolster his case.
Conversely, the allure of a fresh start elsewhere may prove tempting. At 27, Nkunku is in his prime, and clubs like Bayern, where he previously thrived in the Bundesliga, or Inter, with their attacking style, could offer the consistent minutes he craves. Manchester United’s interest, driven by their need for attacking depth, adds another layer of intrigue. Chelsea’s willingness to negotiate suggests a summer move remains possible, especially if Bynoe-Gittens’ arrival further crowds the attacking ranks.
Christopher Nkunku stands at a crossroads after Chelsea’s Club World Cup victory. His performances in the tournament, capped by a starring role in the final, have reignited belief in his potential to be a cornerstone for the Blues. Yet, persistent transfer rumours and competition for places keep his future in doubt. For Chelsea fans, the hope is that this triumph marks the beginning of Nkunku’s resurgence at Stamford Bridge. For Nkunku, the decision lies in balancing loyalty to a club on the rise with the pursuit of a role that matches his undeniable talent. As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on whether he stays to build on this triumph or seeks a new challenge elsewhere.
