Loan move revives Nkunku’s Leipzig romance with €3.5m fee

Christopher Nkunku is poised to return to his former club RB Leipzig on a season‑long loan, with the German side securing the deal for €3.5 million and an option to purchase for roughly €30 million, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano announced, adding his trademark “Here we go” endorsement.

Leipzig’s past with Nkunku

Nkunku previously signed for RB Leipzig in 2019 and remained under contract until 2023. During that spell he amassed 172 appearances, netted 70 goals and provided 56 assists, establishing himself as a key creative force for the club.

Financial terms of the loan

According to Romano, Leipzig’s loan agreement is valued at €3.5 million and includes a purchase option estimated at around €30 million. The structure gives Leipzig immediate access to the midfielder while preserving the possibility of a permanent signing if the loan proves successful.

From Chelsea to Milan and back

Chelsea originally acquired Nkunku in the summer of 2023, paying €60 million to RB Leipzig for his services. After just two seasons, the Frenchman moved to AC Milan, where the Italians paid €37 million and offered him a contract running to mid‑2030.

At Milan, the 28‑year‑old Frenchman featured 35 times, scoring eight goals and delivering three assists, but he missed the opening match against Torino and struggled to cement a regular starting place.

Romano Nkunku himself expressed a strong desire to re‑join his old club, prompting Leipzig to act quickly and secure the loan with a clear pathway to a permanent transfer.