Chelsea’s £52 million ($65 million) forward Christopher Nkunku has been called a “total waste of money” after their “pedestrian” FA Cup exit.
Nkunku, a France international, went to England from RB Leipzig in summer 2023. He scored 58 goals in his last two seasons in Germany, but just 16 for the Blues, five of which were in the Premier League.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Nkunku has only started three Premier League games this season, but he was handed a rare chance to impress against Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round as Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu were sidelined due to injury. The 27-year-old fumbled his lines in a 2-1 loss at the Amex Stadium.
Craig Burley, a former Chelsea midfielder, told ESPN: “There was no cutting edge to the game. [Cole] Palmer no longer has the same level of influence over games. Nkunku up front, what a complete waste of money he has been. at addition, they appear flimsy at the rear.”
Burley remarked about Chelsea’s 2024-25 season: “Earlier in the season, there was speculation over whether they could stay in the title fight. We anticipated them to slip, but they’ve returned to Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, and Thomas Tuchel’s sluggish passing game. 57% possession – far more than Brighton – but what did they do with it? Absolutely nothing.”
Chelsea is a work in progress as they strive to unleash potential in a youthful group, but Burnley sent a warning to head coach Enzo Maresca: “We know this ownership and club can make rash decisions.” They must have been very happy with what they observed from summer to Christmas. However, if these performances continue and they fall down the table and begin to exit Europe, Enzo Maresca is at a club where quick decisions are made. They will not give you two or three years, as Arsenal did with [Mikel] Arteta during the terrible spells.”
WHAT NEXT?
Nkunku was connected with a move elsewhere during the winter transfer season, but the deadline passed with no agreement reached. Questions about his future at Stamford Bridge will persist as long as he fails to live up to the expectations of being a prolific offensive option for the most ambitious of clubs.
