RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku does not have a release clause written into his contract but will be allowed to leave if a ‘fair offer’ is made by suitors such as Chelsea.
That’s according to Kicker, who cover the situation around the French star today amid continued reports linking him with a move to Chelsea.
Nkunku has been in fine form again for Leipzig this season, with six goals in eight games in the Bundesliga and another goal in the Champions League.
It’s ramped up interest in his signature once again, with several reports making it clear that the new contract he signed in June includes a release clause for next summer.
Reports in England and Germany have made it clear Chelsea are at the front of the queue for his signature, with the forward even reportedly undergoing a secret medical ahead of a switch to Stamford Bridge.
Kicker look at that today and state that Leipzig have never confirmed the existence of a release clause in his last deal, which runs until 2026.
According to their information ‘there is no such written agreement’ for next summer but there is a ‘verbal agreement’ between the player and the club ‘not to put any obstacles’ in his way if a ‘fair offer’ is made at any point.
What they would consider a fair offer isn’t made clear, but Nkunku is currently valued in the €80m range by the likes of Transfermarkt so we’d assume that’s at least the top end figure.
In fact, we would not be surprised if reports of the €60m release clause have been misinterpreted and that’s just Leipzig’s asking price for their star man.
The idea of them accepting a ‘fair price’ certainly tallies with reports elsewhere, that have stated Chelsea have offered over the reported release clause to get him ahead of the competition.
If that clause doesn’t exist, perhaps they’ve just offered a figure that Leipzig find more than acceptable and that’s seen a deal progress to the point where they’re confident they’ve got him.
