GdS: Why Nkunku has doubts about joining Fenerbahce and where Milan stand

The idea of moving to Fenerbahce is not something that appeals to Christopher Nkunku at present, and he wants to stay at AC Milan.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, the Turkish club have submitted a telephone offer for Nkunku, and Milan would give the green light to his sale if they were to receive a bid that would guarantee them their money back after the €37m summer signing.

The unknown factor however is Nkunku, who is not thrilled by the prospect of flying to Istanbul. Awaiting him is Tedesco, his former coach at RB Leipzig, the man who helped him reach his peak performances.

Professionally, though, Christopher is satisfied with an experience in Serie A, at a glorious club like Milan. His first few months in Italy weren’t easy, due to a sketchy summer preparation, a foot injury sustained while playing for the national team and a period of adaptation that is natural.

Now, thanks to his brace against Verona, he feels the hardest part is behind him and isn’t at all sure he’ll start all over again in January, just a handful of months away from the World Cup, which he must win by playing and showing his fitness, as he did in the last game of 2025.

Calls from Turkey

At Fenerbahce, Nkunku would be an undisputed starter, something Milan can’t guarantee him. There’s little doubt about that, but a move to Turkey would mean he would no longer be playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

For a player who won the last Club World Cup with Chelsea, that’s certainly not a minor detail. Indeed, it’s a significant career leap at 28 years old. Plus, there’s the financial aspect: Milan guarantees him €5m net per season, and Fenerbahce couldn’t go much higher.

The financial aspect, which might be a factor if the club were in the Saudi Pro League, won’t be a determining factor in this case. That’s why Nkunku is now reflecting on his future, while keeping Friday’s trip to Cagliari top of his mind.

Nkunku has always felt the trust of Allegri, who praised him in front of the media, but also of his team-mates, who allowed him to take the penalty he had won early in the second half on Sunday. Modric and Pulisic handed him the ball for the spot kick, and that meant a lot.

They had already encouraged him in the previous days, when they saw him a bit demoralised in training, and this attitude did not go unnoticed by the Frenchman, who is particularly close to his compatriots Maignan and Rabiot.

In addition to playing for the national team, he also played with Rabiot at PSG, and their friendship is strong. Then there’s the allure of Milan, a city where he’s thriving after his stints in Paris and London. Therefore, the balance is tipped in favor of Nkunku staying with the Rossoneri.