Manchester United are showing ‘great interest’ in RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku, but will have to pay at least €60m to secure the Frenchman’s signature.
That’s according to Sky Sports Germany, who confirm that the attacking midfielder does not have a release clause in his current contract.
Nkunku has once again been the star of the show for the German side this season, scoring 23 goals and registering 13 assists in 35 games in all competitions so far.
He’s now scored 35 goals and registered 40 assists in 119 games for the club since arriving from Paris Saint Germain in 2019, the kind of numbers that haven’t gone unnoticed around Europe.
Manchester United are believed to be big admirers of the midfielder, and reports of a potential move this summer have steadily been picking up pace in the last few months, particularly since Ralf Rangnick arrived as caretaker manager.
Last month it was reported that they would have to pay as much as €75m to secure his signature, but Sky insist that is not the case.
They say Manchester United are one of several clubs ‘showing great interest’ in Nkunku at this moment in time thanks to his ‘outstanding’ performances ‘on the big stage’.
A move could happen in the summer, and should anyone come forwards, Leipzig would be set to make a major profit.
They paid €13m to sign Nkunku, a ‘fair market price’ at the time and an investment that has ‘not only paid off in sporting terms’.
If he is sold this summer, Nkunku could change clubs ‘for no less than €60m’, but that price is trending ‘steadily upwards’ as he continues to impress on the pitch.
Two key aspects are that Nkunku’s current deal doesn’t expire until 2024 and does not include a release clause, meaning Leipzig are in a strong position in terms of negotiating with interesting parties.
Whether Manchester United will offer €60m remains to be seen, but that is a figure that keeps on changing, having also been quoted €55m and €75m. That suggests Leipzig are yet to decide definitively, something they’re probably holding off on until the bidding for Nkunku starts.
