Nkunku Prefers RB Leipzig Return Over Newcastle Move

Christopher Nkunku is closing in on a return to familiar ground at RB Leipzig, with Newcastle United left trailing in the chase 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 switch to the Premier League with Newcastle. Milan are prepared to let him go on loan with an option to buy.

Leipzig in control, Newcastle lagging

Both Leipzig and Newcastle have been in talks with Milan over the 26-year-old, who is not in Ruben Amorim’s plans for next season. The negotiations, though, are moving at very different speeds.

Gazzetta’s Milan reporter Luca Bianchin reports that the Magpies are “well behind” Leipzig in the race for the former Chelsea attacker. The Bundesliga side have pushed ahead, helped by Nkunku’s preference for a return to a club and league he already knows.

Nkunku joined Milan from Chelsea only a year ago in a deal worth €37 million plus add-ons, but his first season at San Siro never fully caught fire. He finished the campaign with eight goals in 35 competitive appearances, a modest return for an investment of that size and a player with his reputation.

Deal structure taking shape

The outline of the agreement is already emerging. Milan and Leipzig are expected to finalise a loan with an option to buy in the coming days. Leipzig would cover Nkunku’s €5 million salary for the 2026-27 season as part of the package.

For Milan, it is a reset after a short and underwhelming spell. For Leipzig, it is a reunion with a forward who once lit up the Red Bull Arena and now looks ready to rewind his career back to where it truly took off.