Is 35-goal forward a perfect Kylian Mbappe alternative for Liverpool?
A forward who scored 35 times (and assisted another 19) last season is available for just £51m for Liverpool, should they consider it?
RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku contributed a remarkable 35 goals and 19 assists in all competitions last season. The forward mainly played a new-look central role, previously, operating out wide and in other midfield positions in his career.
The 24-year-old looks to be approaching his peak and will surely be hungry to win big trophies. The French international has only won one domestic cup with his current club in Germany. Also, he barely featured in Ligue 1 title victories with Paris Saint-Germain earlier in his career.
Should Liverpool go for Christopher Nkunku as one of their forward options?
There are numerous factors involves in completing a football transfer. An agreeable fee is involved between the buying and selling clubs. Besides, the player has to settle in the new side and be recompensed to a level they consider acceptable. Moreover, there are middlemen looking for a slice of the pie too.
Furthermore, for a club like Liverpool, the most important aspect is to consider, whether the targeted player will meet Jurgen Klopp’s demands.
The Reds’ director of research, Ian Graham, and his team of transfer analysts will dig deep into Nkunku’s numbers. But his stats provide a statement for his powerful portrait of his abilities.
The Analysis
The French forward’s records in recent years, especially last year have been scintillating. With his 19-non penalty goals, is topped by only six players in Europe’s biggest five leagues. Nkunku ended up with 35 goals in all competitions and another 19 assists.
His attributes and records show up as similar to National team teammate Kylian Mbappe (at least in the opinion of Statsbomb’s data).
Now the question arises of whether Nkunku will fit into Klopp’s system?
According to FBRef, the 10 most similar forwards to Nkunku show former Reds’ forward Sadio Mane at sixth position, Luis Diaz at fourth, and Mo Salah tops the list.
So, Salah reminds us of the winger’s contract talks with Liverpool making headlines. If Salah chooses not to extend his contract at Anfield, the Reds will be looking for a new forward in the summer of 2023 too.
Salah’s contribution to Liverpool in recent years is remarkable and impossible to replace directly. But numbers of Nkunku suggest he could take the place of Salah, Díaz, or Mané to a decent extent.
With four years remaining on his recently extended contract, next year could be the perfect time for the Reds to complete Nkunku’s transfer. Moreover, the transfer is expected to be smooth enough as both clubs have dealt several times before.
