# Christopher Nkunku returns to RB Leipzig on loan > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/christopher-nkunku-transfer-to-rb-leipzig > Updated: 2026-09-10T11:00:34.000Z. Sources: 44. Developments: 6. Christopher Nkunku has officially returned to RB Leipzig on a season-long loan from AC Milan. The move follows Nkunku falling out of favor with Milan head coach Ruben Amorim, who reportedly excluded the French attacker from his technical project. The transfer is structured as a paid loan with a fee of approximately €3 million to €3.5 million, with RB Leipzig covering roughly half of the player's salary. The deal includes an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season for an estimated €28 million to €28.5 million. This arrangement is expected to provide financial relief for Milan, with reports suggesting potential savings of over €8 million this season through reduced wage obligations and loan fees. While Premier League clubs Manchester United and Newcastle United reportedly showed serious interest in the versatile attacker, Nkunku opted for the familiarity of his former Bundesliga club. RB Leipzig sporting managing director Marcel Schafer expressed enthusiasm regarding the signing, noting Nkunku’s familiarity with the club and his exceptional quality will provide “significant additional options.” Nkunku, who previously played for the Bundesliga club from 2019 to 2023, aims to revitalize his career in an environment where he previously recorded 70 goals and 56 assists. During his single season in Italy, he recorded 8 goals and 3 assists in approximately 35 to 40 appearances. Speaking at a press conference, Nkunku expressed confusion regarding his departure, stating that while he respects the decision, he “does not fully understand the motivations behind it.” He clarified that his time at Milan was not hindered by injuries, but rather a “fundamental difference in footballing philosophy.” He added, “To respect a decision, we do not always have to understand. It happened suddenly, I myself didn’t expect it.” ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Christopher Nkunku expresses confusion over AC Milan departure Christopher Nkunku has expressed surprise at his sudden departure from AC Milan, stating he does not understand the decision to exclude him from Ruben Amorim's plans before his loan move to RB Leipzig. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/christopher-nkunku-expresses-confusion-over-ac-milan-departure ### 2026-09-06: Christopher Nkunku joins RB Leipzig on loan from AC Milan Christopher Nkunku has joined RB Leipzig on a season-long loan from AC Milan, rejecting transfer interest from Manchester United and Newcastle United to return to his former German club. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/christopher-nkunku-joins-rb-leipzig-on-loan-from-ac-milan ### 2026-09-05: Manchester United: Rashford resurgence and Nkunku transfer update Marcus Rashford is regaining his importance at Manchester United under Michael Carrick, while the club's summer pursuit of Christopher Nkunku failed after the player chose a loan move to RB Leipzig. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-rashford-resurgence-and-nkunku-transfer-update ### 2026-08-28: Christopher Nkunku returns to RB Leipzig on loan Christopher Nkunku returns to RB Leipzig on loan from AC Milan, making his Bundesliga comeback in the upcoming match against Borussia Mönchengladbach. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/christopher-nkunku-returns-to-rb-leipzig-on-loan-1 ### 2026-08-23: Christopher Nkunku to return to RB Leipzig from AC Milan Christopher Nkunku is returning to RB Leipzig from AC Milan on a loan deal worth approximately €3.5-4 million, with an option to buy for nearly €30 million. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/christopher-nkunku-to-join-rb-leipzig-on-loan-from-ac-milan ### 2026-08-21: Christopher Nkunku nears RB Leipzig return from AC Milan Christopher Nkunku is set to return to RB Leipzig from AC Milan on a loan deal with an option to buy, reportedly preferring the Bundesliga move over interest from Newcastle United. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/christopher-nkunku-nears-rb-leipzig-move-from-ac-milan --- Cite as: Christopher Nkunku returns to RB Leipzig on loan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/christopher-nkunku-transfer-to-rb-leipzig