Nkunku: “RB Leipzig quickly said that I was not allowed to change”

opt-out clause in the contract

On June 23, Christopher Nkunku surprisingly extended his contract with RB Leipzig by two more years until 2026. The Bundesliga player of the season, chosen by Transfermarkt users after an outstanding season, could have chosen his new employer – if he had the ” Go” of the Saxons received. “To be honest, there were a few requests, but RB quickly told me that I wasn’t allowed to change,” revealed the offensive player in a “Sport Bild” interview.

The 24-year-old was not angry about that. “No. And I’ll tell you why: It was the first time in my career that my club told me that I’m too important to give up. That is an indescribably good feeling. That trust makes me stronger, and I want to repay that,” Nkunku said. FC Bayern did not appear to have courted him, as his ex-coach Julian Nagelsmann wrote to him “not once” that he should come to the record champions in Munich.

With his scorer values ​​- 20 goals and 15 assists – the professional caused a novelty in the Bundesliga in 2021/22, because never before has a player managed to score 20 goals and 15 assists in one season. His outstanding form and international interest were also reflected in the Frenchman’s market value, which has grown from €43m to €80m over the past season

According to reports, Nkunku is allowed to leave Leipzig for around 60 million euros thanks to a contractually anchored exit clause. “But no one can know what will happen at some point. To say now that I’ll be there in July is a bit crazy,” said the right-winger, who is looked after by star advisor Pini Zahavi.

Nkunku strives for the highest: change necessary for goal world footballer?

If it is up to Nkunku himself, he will one day secure the most prestigious trophy. “If you ask me if I want that: Yes, I want to be a world footballer. That would be the biggest award you can win. It’s a dream, but you should always strive for the highest.” The chance of fulfilling this wish would “of course” increase if you play “in one of the five biggest clubs in the world”.

In 2019, around three years ago, the French national player switched from his youth club to Leipzig for 13 million euros. “Paris Saint-Germain will always be a very special club. PSG gave me my first professional contract, that’s where I took my first steps,” said Nkunku, who described the world title as the biggest goal of his career.

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