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4 INEOS ultimately opted against bolstering Ruben Amorim’s attack in the winter transfer window – despite sanctioning the exits of three forwards on loan.
Indeed, Antony and Marcus Rashford swapped Manchester United for Real Betis and Aston Villa, respectively, while young gun Ethan Wheatley joined League Two leaders Walsall for the remainder of the term.
At certain stages throughout the window, it did look as though the intention was there for the board to get a deal over the line; for example, United were heavily linked with out-of-favour Chelsea frontman Christopher Nkunku, whose career has turned somewhat stagnant since his £52 million switch from RB Leipzig.
The 14-capped French international, whom compatriot Thierry Henry previously claimed he ‘loves’ watching play, remains at Enzo Maresca’s disposal from now until the summer. From then, however, he could cut short his Stamford Bridge tenure prematurely.
United tipped to return for Nkunku this summer
Nkunku has grown accustomed to playing second fiddle to Nicolas Jackson. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Red Devils’ interest in Nkunku before also suggesting he may be on the move upon the culmination of 2024/2025.
“Nkunku at Chelsea, for example, was an option for Bayern [Munich] at the beginning of the market. He was an idea for Man United, but he never wanted to leave on loan,” said Romano on his YouTube channel.
“And now he’s staying at Chelsea. Let’s see how it goes in the second half of the season because I have a feeling that Nkunku could leave Chelsea next summer if there is a good opportunity.”
The 27-year-old established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in Europe throughout his time in Germany, notching a remarkable 35 goals and 15 assists throughout his penultimate campaign at Leipzig, followed by 23 goals and nine assists in 2022/2023.
It was such stellar form that prompted Chelsea to go all-out for his signature in a transfer that’s since not gone to plan for any parties involved; Nkunku has been plagued with unrelenting injury setbacks in the last year, which caused him to miss his opportunity to become the side’s first-choice No.9 – a position now fulfilled by Nicolas Jackson.
