Milan uncertainties regarding Nkunku position but January departure unlikely
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan blows up a balloon while celebrating with teammates after scoring to put the team ahead 2-0 during the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa Round of 16 match against US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Milan is beginning to question Christopher Nkunku’s effectiveness, yet finding a resolution in January appears challenging. The concern is not solely about Nkunku himself, but also the position he has been assigned. He has been expected to execute roles that do not particularly align with his innate abilities. Just a few months into his tenure, having joined for around €42 million with bonuses, uncertainties are arising—especially regarding the proposition of using him as a central forward.
PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan advances with the ball while being challenged by Abdoulaye Ndiaye of Parma during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) Milan is apprehensive about Nkunku’s position. Nkunku has not traditionally been a striker in the conventional sense. At his best, he has attempted to adapt to tactical requirements, but that has never been central to his skill set. This raises questions about whether the initial strategy was appropriate.
Theoretically, if Milan were sure they could recover a substantial portion of the investment, moving Nkunku in January would not be unfavorable. The real dilemma lies elsewhere. When a club makes such a costly acquisition in the summer, it is crucial to prevent incurring a capital loss only months later. This complicates any potential winter transfer significantly.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Niclas Füllkrug of West Ham United arrives at the stadium ahead of the Premier League match between Sunderland and West Ham United at Stadium of Light on August 16, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Unless a surprising buyer presents themselves, Milan’s options remain constrained. Only under those circumstances could the Rossoneri realistically assess alternative attacking possibilities, separate from Niclas Füllkrug and inclusive of the Gabriel Jesus option mentioned recently.
Published: 2025-12-23 19:20:00
source: football-italia.net
