Nkunku Does Not Want to Return to Milan and Hopes to Stay at Leipzig
Christopher Nkunku has rediscovered his best form since returning to RB Leipzig and now knows exactly where he wants to continue his career. The French forward hopes to remain in Germany, although his future depends on negotiations between the Bundesliga club and AC Milan.
Some places seem made for certain footballers. For Christopher Nkunku, that place is Germany, where he has rediscovered the confidence, importance, and happiness that had been missing during his previous seasons.
The French forward has been enjoying an impressive run of form since returning to RB Leipzig, joining the German club on loan from AC Milan during the summer transfer window.
His impact has been immediate. In just eight appearances during the 2026-27 season, Nkunku has recorded four goals and two assists, numbers that have once again established him as one of the team's most influential players.
However, his impressive performances have also raised an important question: What happens when his loan spell ends?
The player himself appears to have an answer.
In an interview with Sport Bild, the 28-year-old admitted that he would like to extend his second spell at Leipzig, although he made it clear that no final decision has been made.
"Of course, I can imagine staying longer," the Frenchman said, while acknowledging that any permanent move would depend on an agreement between the two clubs.
Milan Hold the Key to His Future
Nkunku's return to the Bundesliga came through a loan agreement running until June 30, 2027, as officially confirmed by AC Milan.
The deal includes a purchase option reportedly worth around €28 million, according to several European media outlets.
This means the player's wishes alone will not be enough to secure his future. RB Leipzig must decide whether they are willing to make the investment required to sign the forward permanently.
For now, Nkunku prefers to focus on the present.
The Frenchman acknowledged that the season has only just begun and that it is too early to expect a final decision. Nevertheless, his comments made it clear that remaining with the German club is his preferred outcome.
His position also highlights the enormous contrast between his current situation and the difficulties he experienced after leaving Leipzig in 2023.
From Chelsea and Milan Struggles to Rediscovering His Best Form
When Nkunku left Germany to join Chelsea, he appeared ready to establish himself as one of the biggest stars in the Premier League.
However, a knee injury suffered before the start of his first season disrupted those plans and marked the beginning of an inconsistent spell in England.
Although he enjoyed some promising moments, he never managed to maintain the consistency that had made him one of the most dangerous attacking players in German football.
His subsequent move to AC Milan also failed to provide the stability he needed.
That is why, when the opportunity to return to RB Leipzig emerged, the forward found something more important than another sporting destination: the chance to reconnect with the environment where he had played the best football of his career.
Between 2019 and 2023, Nkunku established himself as one of the Bundesliga's biggest stars, earned the admiration of supporters, and became a crucial figure in the team's attack.
Now, his second spell has started in promising fashion.
The Bundesliga itself recently highlighted his performances, particularly after he scored a hat-trick in Leipzig's 6-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.
But the Frenchman's connection with the club goes far beyond goals.
Nkunku explained that he feels comfortable both in the city and inside the dressing room, emphasizing the affection he receives from supporters and the family atmosphere he has experienced since returning.
That connection could prove decisive when the time comes to determine his future.

France and Zidane: Nkunku's Other Major Motivations
Staying in Germany is not Christopher Nkunku's only objective.
The forward also wants to regain his place in the France national team, following a period in which injuries and inconsistent performances limited his international opportunities.
The Frenchman believes his current form could bring him closer to another call-up, particularly if he can maintain his level over the coming months.
And there is one figure who provides special motivation: Zinedine Zidane.
With the legendary former midfielder being discussed as a potential future France manager, Nkunku acknowledged the enormous admiration he has felt for him since childhood.
"Zidane is a legend. He is the best footballer France has ever had," he said during the interview, recalling that the former midfielder was one of his biggest inspirations when he first fell in love with football.
The forward also mentioned the 2006 FIFA World Cup, held in Germany, as one of his most important memories of his childhood idol.
For now, Nkunku's future remains uncertain, but his intentions appear clear.
After spending several seasons trying to rediscover his best form, the Frenchman has finally found his place again at Leipzig.
And while AC Milan and the German club must still resolve his contractual situation, the forward has already made it clear where he would like to write the next chapter of his career.
Key Takeaways From Christopher Nkunku's Future
- Christopher Nkunku wants to remain at RB Leipzig after rediscovering his best form, recording four goals and two assists in eight appearances during the 2026-27 season.
- The forward remains under contract with AC Milan and is on loan until June 2027, with a purchase option reportedly valued at approximately €28 million.
- Alongside his desire to stay in Germany, Nkunku wants to return to the France national team and has expressed his admiration for Zinedine Zidane.
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