The Nkunku case? No exit clause, just a gentleman’s agreement

The news of Christopher Nkunku’s new contract spread very quickly and soon quelled all speculations about his possible transfer. At the same time, however, a new wave of speculation about a possible transfer next summer, built on the information about an alleged exit clause in the young Frenchman’s contract. But the information was not entirely accurate…

Christopher Nkunku scored 20 goals and notched 13 assists in 34 Bundesliga games last season. He dragged a struggling Leipzig from the season opener to a position guaranteeing the Champions League and the first trophy in the history of the newly founded club – the DFB Pokal triumph.

With form like this (although not entirely sustainable from an xG perspective) he earned a lot of media attention and his name was linked with the likes of PSG, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea. At the same time, however, there was talk of a possible new contract with Leipzig.

Only the actual signing of the contract put an end to all the speculation. However, in parallel, a new round of rumours started at full speed, this time with the subtitle: ‘Where will Nkunku go in a year’.

It was reported that the RB Leipzig canon’s new contract contains an exit clause of €60 million.

But the exit clause is not as hot as originally thought. Instead of the amount being written directly into the contract, it is supposed to be a mere gentleman’s agreement between the player and the club.

So what does this mean for Leipzig, Nkunku and what does it mean for any potential suitors? From the player’s point of view, it is the least understandable step. He has a long-term contract and no real leverage to possibly earn his big transfer.

But staying in Leipzig is logical. The World Cup is in the winter and Nkunku won’t want to miss it. He has only recently made his way into the national team, despite his longstanding excellent performances, and no one has a secure place in France’s packed attack. Going to a new club where he might not catch on right away or where he wouldn’t play such a prominent role would be a gamble.

For Leipzig, on the other hand, it is a great solution. They can go into the new season with serious ambitions, backed by a great line-up with an excellent finisher in attack. At the same time, they have the opportunity to correct where this goal scorer will head after the season. So a move to direct competition at Bayern is probably out of the question. Without an exit clause, they simply don’t have to let the player go there.

Potential suitors can thus benefit from the fact that one strong adept to sign this cannonballer has dropped out of the game. But also, without an exit clause in the player’s contract, they may find themselves in an auction where they have to outbid each other. It won’t be enough to cover the clause and ‘Chris pick’. They’ll have to convince the club.

Bottom line, the praise goes to Leipzig. We can only hope that with Nkunku in attack they can challenge Bayern for a real challenge for the league title.

Source: Manuel Veth