Nkunku Returns to Leipzig on Loan

French forward Christopher Nkunku has returned to the club where he enjoyed the best moments of his career, as RB Leipzig announced the completion of his loan deal from AC Milan for the 2026-2027 season, with the German club retaining an option to buy the player.

Leipzig has confirmed that all procedures related to the transfer have been completed, allowing Nkunku to begin a new chapter with the team he has represented for four seasons, during which he made a significant impact in the club's history.

The French striker boasts remarkable numbers during his first spell with Leipzig, having played 172 official matches, scoring 70 goals and providing 56 assists, contributing to 126 goals in total. He also celebrated two DFB-Pokal titles with the team in 2022 and 2023.

Marcel Schaefer, the sporting director of RB Leipzig, expressed the club's happiness at the return of Nkunku, confirming that the player has previously demonstrated exceptional abilities while wearing the team's jersey, along with his capacity to make a difference and decide matches.

Shevchenko explained that Nkunku's prior knowledge of the club, the city, and the atmosphere surrounding the team will help him provide additional solutions in the attacking line, especially with his versatility and ability to play in multiple positions.

The sporting director noted that the player's clear desire to return to Leipzig was met with great enthusiasm from the club.

Christopher Nkunku has expressed his deep connection with RB Leipzig, stating, "My relationship with the club is very special." The French forward, who has been a key player for the team, emphasized the importance of his time in Germany and how it has shaped his career.

Nkunku expressed his happiness at returning to the German club, confirming that he did not hesitate to accept the opportunity to move back to Leipzig, and that he is in top physical condition and ready to help the team from the outset.

The French player stated that he is eagerly awaiting his return to the pitch at Red Bull Arena and to play again in front of Leipzig fans, emphasizing that his relationship with the club is "very special."

Nkunku added that he continued to follow the team's news even after his departure, explaining that he felt from the start of the negotiations the appreciation that the Leipzig officials had for him and the trust that still surrounds him.

The player sees his return to the club as the right place to restore his best levels, following experiences with Chelsea and AC Milan in recent years.

Nkunku joined RB Leipzig in 2019 from Paris Saint-Germain, before leaving the club in the summer of 2023 to move to Chelsea. He then embarked on a new experience with AC Milan starting in 2025.