Why Selling Christopher Nkunku to Bayern Munich Could Be a Huge Mistake for Chelsea

Christopher Nkunku’s time at Chelsea has been frustratingly short and underwhelming, not because of his performance but due to limited opportunities. Since joining from RB Leipzig in 2023, the Frenchman has made just 42 appearances, and now, rumors of him leaving for Bayern Munich in January are surfacing. If Chelsea allows this move, they risk losing one of the few truly elite players in their squad.

Reports suggest that Nkunku, 27, has agreed to personal terms with Bayern after becoming frustrated over his lack of Premier League minutes. While 19-year-old Mathys Tel could potentially move to Chelsea in a swap deal, letting Nkunku leave mid-season would be a costly mistake.

A Career Stalled

Nkunku’s time at Stamford Bridge has been riddled with bad luck. A preseason injury in 2023 delayed his Premier League debut until late December. Though he made an immediate impact by scoring against Wolves, another injury in February limited him to just 14 appearances in his debut season.

Despite this, his output was promising. In only 517 minutes across all competitions, Nkunku scored three goals. This season, he has contributed 17 goal involvements in just over 1,180 minutes—numbers that demonstrate his quality despite limited opportunities.

Chelsea’s Overlooked Star

Nkunku is a clinical finisher with the versatility to operate as both a striker and an attacking midfielder. Alongside Cole Palmer, he is one of Chelsea’s most reliable attacking threats. Yet, manager Enzo Maresca has often overlooked Nkunku, favoring Nicolas Jackson as the team’s central striker.

While Jackson has impressed with nine goals this season, there have been games where his performances have dipped, leaving Nkunku on the bench. Frustration is understandably setting in for the Frenchman, especially during the peak years of his career.

A Questionable Move by Chelsea

Letting Nkunku leave would reflect poorly on Chelsea’s ambition. The €60 million signing was a major coup, bringing in a player who had racked up an astonishing 70 goals and 54 assists in 172 appearances for Leipzig. His pedigree is undeniable, and his limited appearances at Chelsea have only hinted at what he could bring to the team.

Bayern Munich, a club known for capitalizing on such situations, would gladly welcome him back to the Bundesliga, where he previously excelled. If Nkunku leaves, Chelsea risks watching one of their most talented players thrive elsewhere while they struggle to achieve consistency.

Tactical Misfit or Missed Opportunity?

It’s possible that Maresca simply doesn’t see Nkunku as part of his long-term plans. However, Nkunku’s versatility should make him indispensable. He has the ability to play as an inside forward, a central striker, or even as a creative playmaker, yet he remains underutilized.

Maresca’s preference for youth may also play a role. At 27, Nkunku is one of the older members of a squad that is increasingly skewed towards younger players. However, experience and proven quality should not be sacrificed for potential, especially in a season where Chelsea is fighting to regain its status in European football.

The Mathys Tel Dilemma

Should Nkunku depart, Mathys Tel is rumored to join Chelsea as part of the deal. While Tel is a promising talent with immense potential, he is still unproven at the top level. Banking on a 19-year-old to fill the void left by Nkunku is a significant gamble, particularly when Chelsea is already struggling for consistent goal-scoring.

A Club at a Crossroads

Nkunku’s potential exit raises a broader question about Chelsea’s identity. Are they building for the future at the expense of the present? Bayern Munich’s pursuit of Nkunku shows their commitment to winning now, while Chelsea’s willingness to part ways with an elite player signals a lack of short-term ambition.

For Chelsea, allowing Nkunku to leave would not only weaken their squad but also send the wrong message to fans and players alike. The Frenchman deserves more opportunities, and his Chelsea story feels far from finished.

As Bayern circles, Chelsea must recognize what they have in Nkunku before it’s too late. Losing him now would be a mistake they may regret for years to come.