Antonio Nusa Opens Up On The Madness Of The Transfer Market

Antonio Nusa has become one of RB Leipzig's most important players at the start of the new season. He is also increasingly aware of how little control a footballer can have over what happens to him once the transfer market starts moving.

The Norwegian has scored twice and provided two assists in his first four Bundesliga appearances, making him the club's top scorer so far. His form has arrived at an important moment, too, after Yan Diomande's €125 million move to Real Madrid left Leipzig without one of their biggest attacking stars.

Nusa could easily have been the next major departure.

Instead, he stayed.

Speaking to Sport Bild, Nusa offered a remarkably candid explanation of how players experience the enormous sums involved in modern transfers.

That perspective is particularly relevant at Leipzig.

The club has built a reputation for selling important players for major fees, and Nusa was reportedly among those who could have left during the summer. Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa were all linked with the 21-year-old, while reports suggested Leipzig would have considered a significant offer for him.

Nusa, however, insists that he is not allowing the speculation to dictate his thinking.

His performances suggest he is doing exactly that.

Nusa is now entering his third season at Leipzig, but there are different expectations around him after Diomande's departure. He has started the campaign with the best Bundesliga numbers of his career, and his confidence appears to be growing with every appearance.

He also has strong faith in the man now responsible for getting the best out of him.

Nusa was emphatic when asked about Martín Demichelis.

"I love him!" the winger said, praising the Argentine's understanding of the players and his approach to the game. Nusa particularly highlighted Demichelis' energy, his style of football, and the way he sees his role within the team.

That is an important endorsement for a coach whose start at the Red Bull Arena has already attracted scrutiny.

For Nusa, though, the relationship appears to be working. Demichelis has given him a role in which he can influence games, while Nusa is responding with goals and assists.

There is still a long season ahead, and the transfer speculation is unlikely to disappear if he continues producing at this level.

But for now, Nusa seems to have understood the simplest way to deal with a market that can turn a player into a €50 million, €60 million, or €100 million asset overnight.

He cannot control the number. He can control what happens on the pitch.