Five Red Bull players Chelsea could sign through Freund

Karan Tejwani

• 20 Sept 2022 13:45 BST
• 4 min read

Chelsea could complete the signing of Red Bull Salzburg’s Christoph Freund as their new Sporting Director in the coming weeks, having begun talks with him over the last week.

Co-owner Todd Boehly is ambitious about the project he has at Chelsea, but wants a Sporting Director, having taken the role over the summer himself.

He spent big in the window, spending the most of any club in any transfer

window in history, but wants a streamlined process following the shock sacking of Thomas Tuchel and appointment of Graham Potter.

So, which Red Bull players could make the move to Chelsea, with Freund’s links helping out?

Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)

The obvious target would be Nkunku – the Bundesliga Player of the Season in 2020/21 who has continued his great form into this campaign.

Chelsea were interested in signing him this past summer but were priced out of a move, with Nkunku signing a new deal at Leipzig instead.

With Freund’s new football philosophy in place, Nkunku could be a top target once again and a move could be explored next year.

— DW Sports (@dw_sports) September 15, 2022

Konrad Laimer (RB Leipzig)

Chelsea’s midfield issues are well documented, with the likes of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho ageing and entering the final year of their respective contracts.

Laimer would make a smart acquisition for them, given that he’s obviously a talented midfielder and can play in a variety of positions.

He won’t be too expensive either, but Chelsea will have to beat off interest from Bayern Munich if they are to sign him in the near future.

Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig/Red Bull Salzburg)

Sesko has an agreement in place to join RB Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg next year, but this is an option to explore in the future with his development observed.

Sesko is one of Europe’s brightest young forwards following an incredible 2022, and was targeted by many across Europe in the past year.

While a move for him will be difficult next year, it’ll be something to consider in the long run, especially as Chelsea need a long-term forward.

Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig)

Chelsea were keen on a move for Gvardiol earlier in the summer, with some suggesting a mega offer of around £80 million would be made.

The Croatian defender is one of the game’s emerging players, and with a big future ahead of him, he could be the long-term stalwart for Chelsea’s defence.

The Blues could return for him next year, and with Freund’s influence, a transfer may be possible, especially if they move quickly.

Noah Okafor (Red Bull Salzburg)

Like Sesko, Okafor is another emerging forward coming through the Salzburg system, and has shone for the club in the Champions League.

He even scored against Chelsea in Europe’s top club competition and some big clubs are tracking his progress this season.

A move for him could be likely, and with him and Sesko shining in the same team, there’s a big chance both of them enjoy great campaigns together.