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Christopher Nkunku returns to RB Leipzig on loan

Updated 9 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-10 11:45 UTC → 2026-09-11 09:36 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 ahead of a Champions League match,~~ 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.”

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