Nkunku Returns to Bundesliga After Difficult Spell at AC Milan
Christopher Nkunku has completed an emotional return to RB Leipzig after struggling to rediscover his best form at Chelsea and AC Milan.
The France international had been linked with several Premier League clubs during the summer transfer window, but ultimately chose to return to the Bundesliga side where he established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking players.
Nkunku originally spent four seasons with Leipzig after joining from Paris Saint-Germain’s academy. During that period, he made 172 appearances across all competitions, scoring 70 goals and establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most dangerous attacking midfielders.
His performances also earned him a place in France’s squad for the 2022 World Cup. However, Nkunku suffered a serious knee injury during a training session shortly before the tournament, forcing him to withdraw from the squad. Randal Kolo Muani was subsequently called up as his replacement.
The 28-year-old has since earned 18 international caps for France.
After leaving Leipzig, Nkunku moved to Chelsea in search of a new challenge in the Premier League. His spell in west London, however, was badly disrupted by a serious knee injury that limited his involvement and prevented him from establishing himself as a regular starter.
Despite his struggles, Nkunku did manage to add a Club World Cup title to his list of honours during his time at Chelsea. Last summer, he was given an opportunity to revive his career in Italy when AC Milan signed him for a reported €40 million.
The move failed to produce the desired transformation. Nkunku struggled to reproduce the form that had made him such a prolific player at Leipzig, while Milan endured a disappointing campaign and failed to qualify for the Champions League.
His situation became even more complicated under head coach Ruben Amorim, with Nkunku increasingly regarded as surplus to requirements at San Siro.
Leipzig have now provided him with another opportunity to rebuild his career. The German club have brought Nkunku back on a season-long loan from Milan, with an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the campaign.
The move also gives the French forward the chance to return to the Champions League, something he would not have experienced had he remained in Milan.
Nkunku’s return comes at an interesting time for Leipzig, who have been active in the transfer market under new head coach Martin Demichelis. The Bundesliga club have had to rebuild following the departure of Yan Diomande to Real Madrid in a reported €125 million deal.
Leipzig have responded by strengthening their squad with several new arrivals, including Maxim Esteve, Rocco Reitz, Ota Yamamoto and goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.
Nkunku’s return adds another familiar and proven attacking option to Demichelis’ squad. More importantly, it offers the player himself a chance to rediscover the confidence and consistency that made him a star in Germany in the first place.
After difficult spells in England and Italy, a return to Leipzig could be exactly what Nkunku needs to restart his career and remind European football why he was once considered one of the continent’s most exciting attackers.
