Manchester United in ‘£60m setback’ in transfer pursuit of Bundesliga star midfielder Christopher Nkunku

Manchester United have long been linked to Christopher Nkunku - but signing him will not come cheap, it seems.
Molly Burke
By Molly Burke
Published 23rd Feb 2022, 09:28 BST
Updated 23rd Feb 2022, 10:25 BST
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Manchester United are set for a busy summer with the arrival of a new manager expected, and it has been long reported that they are on the hunt for an elite midfielder.

The Red Devils have previously been linked with Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips and West Ham’s Declan Rice, though their transfer values are both extremely high.

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It had been reported that they had turned their attentions to RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku last month, though they have now suffered a setback.

Christopher Nkunku of RB Leipzig celebrates after scoring their sides first goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and 1. FC Koln at Red Bull Arena on February 11, 2022 in Leipzig, GermanyChristopher Nkunku of RB Leipzig celebrates after scoring their sides first goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and 1. FC Koln at Red Bull Arena on February 11, 2022 in Leipzig, Germany
Christopher Nkunku of RB Leipzig celebrates after scoring their sides first goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and 1. FC Koln at Red Bull Arena on February 11, 2022 in Leipzig, Germany

According to BILD, via Sport Witness, the Bundesliga club are set to demand in excess of £60 million for their star man, which may prove to be a stumbling block for United.

The Frenchman is a favourite of Ralf Rangnick, who brought him to Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to €15 million in 2019.

Nkunku has been exceptional since he arrived in Germany and has already scored 13 goals and assisted another seven from midfield this season - including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.

Christopher Nkunku of RB Leipzig celebrates after scoring their sides first goal with team mates Josko Gvardiol and Amadou Haidara during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and 1. FC Köln at Red Bull Arena on February 11, 2022 Christopher Nkunku of RB Leipzig celebrates after scoring their sides first goal with team mates Josko Gvardiol and Amadou Haidara during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and 1. FC Köln at Red Bull Arena on February 11, 2022
Christopher Nkunku of RB Leipzig celebrates after scoring their sides first goal with team mates Josko Gvardiol and Amadou Haidara during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and 1. FC Köln at Red Bull Arena on February 11, 2022
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It comes as no surprise that RB Leipzig are desperate to hang onto the 24-year-old, whose contract expires in the summer of 2024.

Leipzig’s CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has previously described Nkunku as ‘unsellable’ and they will be hoping the £60 million price-tag will put off potential suitors.

While the Red Devils may have an advantage over other interested parties due to Rangnick’s connection with the midfielder, United may struggle to meet Leipzig’s demands this summer.

Related topics:Leeds UnitedRB Leipzig

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