Christopher Nkunku Returns to RB Leipzig After AC Milan Fallout: “I Didn’t Understand the Choice

The Exit From Milan and the Reality of the “Loft”

According to reports from L’Équipe, Christopher Nkunku did not mince words regarding his final weeks at San Siro, where he found himself frozen out of the squad and placed in the club’s undesirable group, commonly referred to in Italy as the “loft.” Speaking to the French sports daily, the attacker admitted, “Je n’ai pas compris ce choix” (I didn’t understand this choice), reacting to the sudden shift in his status under the Milan coaching staff.

The forward’s stint in Italy followed a challenging period in the Premier League. Chelsea paid nearly €60 million to sign Nkunku from Leipzig in 2023, but a combination of heavy tactical rotation, intense attacking competition, and recurring injuries to his knee, hip, and hamstrings derailed his time in London. He never surpassed three goals in a single Premier League campaign before switching to AC Milan last summer for a reported €37 million fee.

In Serie A, Nkunku made 32 total appearances, though only 15 came from the starting whistle, yielding seven goals and three assists. While those numbers highlighted occasional flashes—such as a notable brace against Hellas Verona in December—they ultimately reflected a peripheral role that failed to satisfy either the player or the club hierarchy.

Turning Down Premier League Suitors to Rejoin RB Leipzig

Despite his struggles abroad, Nkunku retained significant market appeal across Europe. According to coverage from Top Mercato and Live-Mercato, the French international turned down approaches from two Premier League clubs before opting to return to RB Leipzig. Rather than gambling on another English adventure, Nkunku chose the familiar surroundings of the Red Bull Arena, seeking stability and regular minutes.

The timing of his arrival coincides with a massive void in the Leipzig squad. RB Leipzig recently sold Ivory Coast international striker Yan Diomandé to Real Madrid in a deal valued at roughly €140 million including bonuses. Nkunku arrives with the responsibility of helping fill that attacking vacuum, leveraging his deep familiarity with the club’s tactical system and high-intensity demands.

A Proven Track Record in the Bundesliga

Nkunku’s decision to return to Saxony is underpinned by the numbers he posted during his tenure with the club. Between 2019 and 2023, he featured in 172 matches across all competitions, netting 70 goals and providing 56 assists while capturing two DFB-Pokal titles.

His peak campaign came during the 2021–2022 season, where he delivered 35 goals and 20 assists across 52 appearances, earning him the Bundesliga Player of the Season award. Those performances also propelled him into the French national team, earning him his senior international debut in March 2022 before a late-year injury interrupted his ascent.

Upon the confirmation of his loan, Nkunku expressed clear relief and ambition: “Lorsque l’opportunité de rejoindre le RB Leipzig s’est présentée, je l’ai saisie sans hésiter. Je suis incroyablement heureux d’être de retour, je suis au sommet de ma forme, je veux aider l’équipe immédiatement et j’ai hâte de retrouver la pelouse de la Red Bull Arena devant nos supporters.”

Next Steps and Bundesliga Return

With his transfer finalized, Nkunku has immediately integrated into training ahead of Leipzig’s upcoming domestic fixtures. The club will look to blend his creative output into an attack reshaped by high-profile summer departures as they navigate the rigorous demands of the Bundesliga and European competition.