Newcomer in question for RB position in France?
In the world of football, transfer rumours are a constant presence, and the latest involves two exciting young talents: Xavi Simons and Christopher Nkunku.
According to recent reports, both FC Chelsea and RB Leipzig have considered a swap deal involving the two players [1][2][4]. The idea is that Simons, who has been repeatedly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, could join Chelsea, while Nkunku, who has underperformed at Chelsea compared to his prolific years at Leipzig, could return to his former club.
However, it's important to note that no formal agreement has been reached yet, and the deal's structure, including any cash component Leipzig wants alongside Nkunku, remains unclear [1][4].
Valuations play a significant role in this potential transfer. Simons is valued around £60 million (€70 million), while Nkunku’s value has dropped to about half of his previous worth (~€35 million), making a straight swap unlikely without additional cash or assets [1][2].
Nkunku's return to Leipzig would likely require him to accept a pay cut, given the club's financial considerations and their aim to trim their large squad and salary bill [2].
As for Simons, Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff recently stated that Simons could stay with Leipzig for another season if Chelsea does not improve their offer, indicating ongoing but inconclusive negotiations as of late August 2025 [3].
Despite continued discussions, a finalized swap deal seems unlikely imminently. Bayern Munich sources indicate Leipzig's interest in the swap was temporary, and nothing concrete has emerged [5].
It's also worth mentioning that Bayern Munich's attempt to sign Nkunku seems to have been unsuccessful, and Chelsea has reportedly signed him for a fee of 60 million euros [6].
The Athletic is the media outlet reporting the negotiations between RB Leipzig and FC Chelsea regarding Nkunku [7]. However, the specific terms of the negotiations are not detailed in the provided paragraph.
In summary, while a swap deal involving Nkunku's return to RB Leipzig and Simons moving to Chelsea has been explored, it is not finalized and faces financial and contract-related complexities that have delayed or stalled progress as of late August 2025 [1][2][3][5].
References:
- The Athletic
- ESPN
- Sky Sports
- Goal
- Transfermarkt
- Chelsea FC
- The Athletic
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