Leipzig gamble on Nkunku as market value slumps for Bundesliga return

RB Leipzig are on the verge of completing a loan deal for 28‑year‑old French midfielder Christopher Nkunku from AC Milan, with a mandatory medical scheduled and a purchase option built into the agreement, bringing the player back to the Bundesliga.

Loan Deal and Purchase Option

The clubs have reached a basic agreement, according to the Leipzig newspaper, and the Frenchman will join the Saxons on loan. Leipzig secured a purchase option as part of the deal, allowing them to sign Nkunku permanently if the option is exercised.

Market Value and Performance

Nkunku’s market value has fallen from a peak of €80 million to €25 million since his departure from Leipzig, and the purchase option is reported to be €30 million – the same amount RB Leipzig paid for Castello Lukeba in 2023/24. In the Bundesliga he recorded 90 goal involvements in 119 matches, while his Premier League spell yielded eight goals from 38 games and his Serie A season produced seven goals in 33 appearances, with only 15 starts.

Leipzig's Offensive Search

Following the €million‑plus exit of Yan Diomande to Real Madrid, Leipzig have been hunting an attacking reinforcement. Recent attempts to sign Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani and Cologne’s Said El Mala fell through, leaving Nkunku as the most prominent comeback target.

AC Milan, despite a contract with Nkunku running until 2030, are prepared to let the forward leave at the close of the transfer window, according to L’Équipe, which also notes the €30 million purchase option.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has identified Belgian youngster Matias Fernandez‑Pardo of LOSC as another potential Leipzig signing. The 21‑year‑old’s market value stands at €35 million, his contract runs to 2029, and Lille paid €11.5 million for him two years ago; he has scored 20 times in 51 Ligue 1 matches.