Christopher Nkunku reportedly had the chance to return to the Premier League this summer but chose Germany instead.
Manchester United and Newcastle United were both interested in the France international after AC Milan made him available, yet Christopher Nkunku decided that returning to RB Leipzig was the move he wanted.
According to Bild, Leipzig sporting chief Marcel Schafer spent much of the summer pushing for Nkunku’s return. The club eventually got their man on a season-long loan from Milan, with a £24m option to make the transfer permanent.
Christopher Nkunku only wanted Leipzig
Sky Sport Germany also reported that Newcastle tried to intervene late in the deal, but Nkunku had already made up his mind. The report said he “only wanted” Leipzig.
That loyalty is understandable given what he achieved during his first spell at the club. Nkunku scored 70 goals and registered 56 assists in 172 appearances before leaving Germany.
Schafer believes the player’s determination was key to getting the move done.
“The transfer wouldn’t have happened without Christo’s steadfastness,” he said. “Two Premier League clubs were prepared to go to the limit – we wouldn’t have stood a chance.”
Nkunku joined AC Milan last summer after ending his difficult two-year spell at Chelsea. He scored eight goals and supplied three assists in his first season in Italy, but the 28-year-old was still allowed to leave on loan.
Leipzig’s deal includes Milan covering part of Nkunku’s wages, while Schafer has made no secret of why the club wanted him back.
“He was named the Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2021/22.”
The move gives Nkunku another chance at the club where he previously enjoyed the best period of his career, while United had their chance on a Chelsea flop.
