Christopher Nkunku returns to RB Leipzig on loan from AC Milan
RB Leipzig have confirmed the arrival of French attacker Christopher Nkunku, who returns to his former stomping ground on a season-long loan from AC Milan.
Nkunku, 28, registered 47 goals and 43 assists in 119 Bundesliga appearances for Leipzig between 2019 and 2023, before departing for Chelsea in the English Premier League.
"When I heard of the opportunity to join RB Leipzig, I immediately wanted to say yes," Nkunku said.
"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," Nkunku continued. "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."
Marcel Schäfer, Leipzig’s sporting director, added: “We're delighted to have Christo back with us. 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."
Crowned Bundesliga Player of the Season in 2021/22 with 20 goals and 13 assists in 34 appearances, Nkunku played an instrumental role in Leipzig lifting back-to-back DFB Cups in 2022 and 2023.
He was also awarded the Bundesliga’s Torjägerkanone in 2022/23 after finishing the campaign on 16 goals, level with Werder Bremen’s Niclas Füllkrug.
Leipzig, who beat fourth-tier Eintracht Trier in the DFB Cup first round on Saturday, host Borussia Mönchengladbach in their Bundesliga opener this weekend.
