RB Leipzig have confirmed the signing of French attacker Christopher Nkunku (28) from Milan on loan with an option to buy, for a reported €28m.
“We’re delighted to have Christo back with us,” said Marcel Schäfer, managing director for sport. “He has already shown the exceptional talent that he brings to the table and that he can make a difference in games. He knows the club, the city and the area and his ability to feature in a variety of positions will give us additional options in attack.
“We were especially pleased to hear Christo say that he wanted to play for RB Leipzig again. Despite interest from other top clubs in Europe, he really wanted to return here. This shows the special connection that he has to our club.”
Nkunku, who returns having left for English Premier League side Chelsea in 2023, added: “When I heard of the opportunity to join RB Leipzig, I immediately wanted to say yes. I’m very happy to be back here. I’m in excellent shape and want to help the team as soon as possible, and I also can’t wait to once again play in front of our fans at the Red Bull Arena.
“My connection to RB Leipzig is very special. Even after leaving the club, I continued to keep a close eye on what was happening here. I’m now ready to add a new chapter to my time here at RBL.
“During my discussions with the club, I could sense just how much the people in charge here still value me and how much trust they have in me. That’s why Leipzig is exactly the right place for me to perform to my best.”
During his first stint at the Saxony club, the Frenchman scored 70 goals and provided 56 assists in 172 appearances across all competitions, helping Leipzig secure their maiden DFB Pokal title in 2021/22, and retaining their crown the following campaign, while being named Bundesliga top scorer with 16 strikes.
He also won the 2021/22 Bundesliga Player of the Season award after scoring 20 goals and creating a further 15 in 34 appearances under Jesse Marsch and Domenico Tedesco.
Nkunku becomes Leipzig’s third notable arrival this summer after Rocco Reitz (Borussia Mönchengladbach, €20m) and Maxime Estève (Burnley, €25m). As Leipzig enter a new era under head coach Martin Demichelis, they also secured moves for Ota Yamamoto (€500k) and Orjan Nyland (Free).
