Liverpool are reportedly ready to make a swoop for versatile RB Leipzig attacker Christopher Nkunku, should their bid for Benfica’s frontman be pushed back.
What’s the word?
That’s according to UEFA accredited journalist and ‘Empire of the Kop’ editor Jordan Chamberlain, who claims that if Liverpool’s bid for Nunez was to fall through, then they would turn their sights to the Frenchman.
He understands that RB Leipzig would command an equally high price for their star man as Benfica have done for Nunez.
However, he suggests that the Reds are clearly intent on getting a big-money deal through the door as soon as possible, hence their preparation over the deal for the Uruguayan falling through.
Younger and better than Mane
At the age of just 24, Nkunku has enjoyed something of a breakout year and now has all of Europe’s elite salivating over the attacker.
With Sadio Mane reportedly heading for an Anfield exit, Nkunku would represent the perfect replacement for the 30-year-old should the Reds’ bid for Nunez falter.
The £58.5m-rated star has earned widespread praise this season for his fine goalscoring exploits, as he recorded 34 goal contributions in 33 league games, and a further nine in seven Champions League games.
He scored a total of 35 goals across all competitions this season, from either the right-wing and as a shadow striker or false nine.
These statistics actually dwarf that of any of Mane’s Liverpool seasons, as his highest goalscoring year was in 2018/19, where he only managed 26 across all competitions.
Liverpool centre back Ibrahima Konate outlined how highly he rated his former teammate and compatriot in a recent press conference (via RMC Sport), stating: “he is the best player in the Bundesliga”.
It is therefore no surprise to see Nkunku with an average SofaScore rating of 7.59 in the league, and a remarkable 7.87 in the Champions League. This rating in Europe’s elite competition landed him second in the top-rated players, only behind the free-scoring Benzema.
This kind of electric form is undeniable, yet he still manages to attempt 18.25 pressures per 90, whilst ranking in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals.
It’s no wonder he has been dubbed a “nightmare” by ESPN and as being “just unstoppable” by Goal.com.
His prolific nature combined with his hard-working mindset makes him perfect for Jurgen Klopp, and an upgrade on the ageing and outgoing Sadio Mane.
Some would argue that Nkunku should be prioritised over Benfica’s Uruguayan marksman, due to his goalscoring exploits coming from fluid movement across an attacking, which further likens him to a perfect Klopp player. It remains to be seen who the Reds will end up with.
In other news, £78m wasted: Liverpool had transfer gaffe with £27m-rated dud who’s “not good enough”.
