Christopher Nkunku Chelsea U-Turn: Revival, Reintegration or Just a transfer Window?
Christopher Nkunku’s Chelsea story was seemingly drawing to a quiet, disappointing end just weeks ago. Injuries, sporadic form, and a lack of trust from head coach Enzo Maresca had cast the £52million signing as a potential summer departure — a talented but ill-fitting piece in Chelsea’s increasingly youthful jigsaw puzzle.
Now, after back-to-back starts in Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign and a string of energetic displays, the script may be flipping. The Frenchman is no longer just a forgotten name on the team sheet — he’s back in the spotlight, and his future is once again up for debate.
From Afterthought to Asset
Before Tuesday’s semi-final win over Fluminense, Nkunku hadn’t started consecutive games since mid-March. He’d been left out of matchday squads, handed only fleeting Conference League minutes, and was even publicly benched due to “technical decisions.” His absence was so unexplained that some believed it wasn’t fitness-related, but rather a lack of trust from Maresca.
But now, Nkunku’s performances at the Club World Cup have reignited conversation around his value to this Chelsea side. His late winner against Benfica in the last-16 clash kickstarted a run of starts — and more importantly, impact. He linked well with Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer, showed energy and fluidity in his movement, and provided something Chelsea’s disjointed attack often lacked: cohesion.
Suddenly, he’s being picked for the most financially lucrative games of Chelsea’s season — fixtures that have already earned the club over £35million in prize money.
Why the U-Turn?
So, what’s changed? Part of the answer lies in circumstance. Injuries to Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, and the drop in form of Noni Madueke left Maresca short of attacking options. The Italian had to reshuffle. But it’s not as simple as “needs must.”
Even with Joao Pedro available and Pedro Neto capable of playing across the front line, Maresca chose Nkunku. And Nkunku delivered. That speaks to more than just a short-term fix.
Madueke’s imminent move to Arsenal may have also given Maresca a reason to revisit his view of Nkunku. With Chelsea actively seeking to offload surplus forwards and refresh their attacking depth — and having missed out on targets like Mohammed Kudus — the Frenchman’s versatility is suddenly more valuable than ever.
Chelsea’s Transfer Web: How Nkunku Fits
Chelsea are still very much in the market for attackers, with interest previously shown in Malick Fofana, Alejandro Garnacho, and others. Estevão Willian is on the way, Jamie Gittens has joined, and Giovani Kenda is coming in 2026. The squad is being rebuilt around fluid, high-pressing, interchangeable attackers.
Nkunku, when fully fit, fits that mold. His ability to play as a No.10, wide forward, or false nine adds a layer of tactical flexibility Maresca values. If Chelsea are truly pivoting towards a more positionless, dynamic frontline, Nkunku — ironically — now looks like he belongs.
Tansfer Window or New Chapter?
Of course, there’s a cynical view. That Chelsea are merely showcasing Nkunku to potential buyers — giving him valuable minutes in high-stakes games to stir interest before cashing in this summer. The reported asking price of £60million would make him a profitable sale, and he’s still 27 — in his prime.
But if this were just about marketing him for a transfer, Maresca wouldn’t need to start him in the Club World Cup semi-final, nor trust him over other big-money signings. His use of Nkunku — and Nkunku’s ability to repay that trust — suggests there’s genuine belief that he could still have a role in Chelsea’s future.
What Comes Next?
The next few weeks will be telling. If Nkunku starts in the Club World Cup final, and Chelsea go on to lift the trophy, it might be the moment his Chelsea career finally ignites. Alternatively, it could be a send-off on a high before the club makes a final call on his future.
What’s clear is that Nkunku has forced the conversation to reopen. With Madueke on his way out, Palmer locked into the right-wing role, and Maresca still crafting his ideal attacking unit, a reintegrated, sharp Nkunku might be more useful than any £60million sale.
Final Thought
Nkunku’s Chelsea career has never been straightforward. But his recent performances — not just energetic, but important — are proof that he still has plenty to offer. Whether this is the start of a second wind or simply a well-timed audition remains unclear. But the truth is, Chelsea may already have the answer to one of their big summer questions — and his name is Christopher Nkunku.
Christopher Nkunku Chelsea U-Turn: Revival, Reintegration or Just a transfer Window?
