CM: Nkunku shows signs of being a €37m man – why his brace could change his future

Christopher Nkunku’s story with AC Milan has been a complex one, but on Sunday he experienced the joy of his first league goals.

As Calciomercato.com recall, here was something different about Nkunku in the 3-0 win over Hellas Verona. Perhaps survival instincts have kicked in, in what could truly be his last chance to prove something to and for Milan.

Nkunku responded with a decisive brace that allowed the Rossoneri to defeat Verona and temporarily move to the top of the table, while waiting for Atalanta vs. Inter. This should not and can not be a false dawn though, and rather must be a launching point.

A perfect afternoon

You could tell something could be different today from his attitude on the pitch. The first half didn’t provide him with many opportunities to shine, and indeed, it almost seemed as if he would slip into the familiar anonymity that fans have become used to.

He really came alive in the second half, scoring the brace that effectively put the match to bed. He won the penalty kick that Christian Pulisic then allowed him to take, and he converted it with the confidence of someone who has scored plenty this season.

Four minutes later, he was on hand to tap in a rebound from a Luka Modric shot, and his movement was that of a centre-forward, being proactive to ensure he was in the right place at the right time.

Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Settling in wasn’t easy for Nkunku, but his confidence never wavered. This was evident in his conversation with Modric and Pulisic, with the American handing the ball to the Frenchman to take the penalty. Confidence and a clear message: go, don’t be afraid, shoot, and get going.

Over the past few weeks, the Milan management seriously considered selling the player in January and recouping their summer investment with a asking price starting at €35m, so as not to generate any capital losses at least .

Within months of his arrival, he was already on the market. This test was a lifeline for Nkunku, determined to prove he was worth the €37m (plus €5m in bonuses and a percentage of future resale value) spent to acquire him from Chelsea at the end of August.

Now the ball is in Nkunku’s court: if it’s an isolated case, then Milan will be forced to heed the siren calls from Turkish clubs, as well as possible inquiries from Premier League clubs or Juventus. If he follows it up, he might just make himself unsellable.