Christopher Nkunku's Potential Return to RB Leipzig

Christopher Nkunku is edging towards a return to familiar ground at RB Leipzig, with Newcastle United trailing badly in the race for the Milan forward.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Frenchman has made clear he favours a move back to Leipzig, the club where he rose to prominence between 2019 and 2023, rather than a Premier League switch to St James’ Park. Milan are prepared to let him go on loan with an option to buy.

Leipzig in control, Newcastle left behind

Both RB Leipzig and Newcastle have been in talks with Milan, but the German side now stand firmly in pole position. Gazzetta’s Milan reporter Luca Bianchin reports that the Magpies are “well behind” Leipzig in negotiations for the former Chelsea attacker, who has completed just one season at San Siro.

Nkunku joined Milan from Chelsea a year ago in a deal worth €37m plus add-ons, expected to add cutting edge and versatility to the Rossoneri’s attack. The return fell short of that billing: eight goals in 35 competitive appearances across the campaign.

That output, and a tactical reset under Ruben Amorim, has left Nkunku outside the new coach’s plans for next season. Milan are now ready to move him on, at least temporarily.

Loan structure taking shape

The outlines of the deal are already emerging. Milan and RB Leipzig are expected to finalise a loan with an option to buy in the coming days, with Leipzig set to cover Nkunku’s €5m salary for the 2026-27 season.

For Nkunku, it would mean a step back into a system and a club that once unlocked his best football. For Milan, it would mark the end of an expensive, one-season gamble that never fully ignited.