Not every big signing ends up shining—and Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku might just be the latest example.
But rather than give up on him completely, new manager Enzo Maresca seems to be exploring a wildcard strategy to see if there’s still a way to unlock the Frenchman’s potential.
From Bundesliga Star to Bench Regular at Stamford Bridge
Nkunku arrived at Chelsea in 2023 with a hefty price tag—£53 million—and sky-high expectations after his standout seasons at RB Leipzig.
At the time, fans were buzzing about what he could bring to the table in the Premier League.
But his Chelsea journey got off to a rocky start. A knee injury during pre-season sidelined him early, and when he did eventually return, he was never quite able to make a consistent impact.
He featured just 14 times across all competitions in his debut campaign and struggled to find rhythm or a clear role within the squad.
Maresca’s Unusual Tactic: Midfield Trial Run
Fast forward to this summer, and with Maresca now at the helm following a Conference League win and Champions League qualification, the manager is reportedly testing out an unusual tactic.
According to reports from France, Nkunku has been spotted playing in a defensive midfield role during training—yes, defensive.
This might sound odd given Nkunku’s forward instincts, but it could be a strategic move.
Some suggest it’s a mental test, a way for Maresca to see how adaptable—or committed—the 27-year-old really is.
Others believe it could be a genuine attempt to remold Nkunku, much like how Newcastle transformed Joelinton into a midfield workhorse under Eddie Howe.
Still on His Way Out?
Despite the experimentation, the writing on the wall seems hard to ignore.
With a packed squad and several players still fighting for regular minutes, Nkunku is expected to be one of the names heading out of Stamford Bridge before the new season kicks off.
He’s reportedly eager to secure more consistent playing time elsewhere—not just for club purposes, but also to get back into the sights of France boss Didier Deschamps ahead of next summer’s World Cup in North America.
Interest From European Giants
It hasn’t taken long for the rumor mill to churn.
Manchester United and Inter Milan are both said to be monitoring Nkunku’s situation.
While there haven’t been formal bids just yet, early enquiries suggest there’s genuine interest.
And if either club offers him a clearer role and more minutes on the pitch, it could be the perfect reset Nkunku needs to reboot his career.
What Maresca’s Gamble Reveals
Ultimately, Maresca’s decision to trial Nkunku in an unfamiliar role speaks volumes—not just about his creativity as a coach, but also about the sheer depth (or congestion) of Chelsea’s current squad.
It’s a club full of talent, but sometimes that leads to more headaches than harmony.
Whether Nkunku stays and reinvents himself or leaves for a fresh start, one thing is clear: Chelsea’s new era under Maresca isn’t afraid to take risks—even if that means turning a striker into a defensive midfielder.