Chelsea FC is ushering in a new era under the stewardship of Mauricio Pochettino with the signing of Christopher Nkunku, a significant addition to the Blues' lineup for the 2023/24 Premier League season. The former RB Leipzig player, who had been on the Chelsea radar since the outset of 2023, is now officially part of the squad, marking Pochettino's first major move in English football since his return.
Nkunku's transfer comes as part of Chelsea's ongoing strategy of significant investment in talent. Since Todd Boehly assumed ownership of the club in May 2022, record-breaking sums have been spent in the transfer market, with the team shelling out an estimated £240m/$307m under Thomas Tuchel's management in the 2022/23 season alone. Nkunku's acquisition, with a reported transfer fee of £52m/$66.4m, illustrates Chelsea's commitment to this high-stakes approach.
The player himself has expressed enthusiasm about his move to Chelsea. In his first interview with the club, Nkunku stated, "I am incredibly happy to be joining Chelsea. A big effort was made to bring me to the club, and I'm looking forward to meeting my new coach and teammates and showing the Chelsea supporters what I can do on the pitch"1.
The 25-year-old France international, who hails from the same Parisian district as Paul Pogba, has penned a six-year contract with the Blues, solidifying his commitment until the 2027/28 season. His imminent arrival at Stamford Bridge will likely trigger a reshuffle of shirt numbers, particularly if current No.18, Armando Broja, is reassigned or sold.
Nkunku's positional flexibility, notably his capability to play both as an advanced attacking midfielder and a striker, is expected to be a key factor in Pochettino's tactical plans. The Frenchman scored an impressive 16 Bundesliga goals last season, 12 of which came from a No.10 position, indicating his potency even from a deeper role. Nkunku's successful stint at Leipzig, characterized by 70 goals and 45 assists in 172 games, is a testament to his skill and versatility.
Moreover, Nkunku is set to join Pochettino's squad for the full preseason camp, with his contract formally commencing on July 1. Fans may anticipate his debut during Chelsea's USA tour, likely in the opening fixture against Wrexham in North Carolina on July 19.
Nkunku's signing signals the start of a new chapter at Chelsea. As more fresh faces are expected to join the squad in the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge to see how this reinvigorated Blues team takes shape under Pochettino's leadership.
