Nkunku Signals Desire to Extend RB Leipzig Stay as Milan Future Hangs in Balance

FolioPitch.com – 21 October 2026 | Christopher Nkunku has made his feelings clear about his future: the French forward is Nkunku uninterested in Milan return but it doesn t depend on me alone, with the Chelsea loanee-turned-Leipzig returnee openly admitting that he can “very easily imagine staying longer” at RB Leipzig beyond the current season. The 28-year-old, who returned to the Bundesliga club on an initial loan deal from Milan last summer, has already made an impressive start to his second spell in Germany, scoring four goals and providing two assists in eight appearances across all competitions. His comments, made to Sport Bild, suggest that a permanent departure from San Siro is increasingly likely — though the final decision rests with the clubs involved.

A Second Spell Blossoming in Leipzig

Nkunku’s first stint at Leipzig, from 2019 to 2023, remains the high point of his career. He scored 70 goals in 172 appearances, establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most feared attackers. Now, back in familiar surroundings, the forward appears to have rediscovered his rhythm and his happiness. “We’ve only just got the start of the season behind us,” he said. “There are also several parties involved in these discussions. Above all, the clubs would have to reach an agreement at the end of the season. So it doesn’t depend on me alone. But of course, I can very easily imagine staying longer.”

Leipzig hold an option to buy the player for a reported €28 million, a figure that could prove to be a bargain if Nkunku maintains his current form. The German club are understood to be keen on triggering that clause, and the player’s own stance makes a permanent transfer all the more likely. Yet, as the forward himself acknowledges, Nkunku uninterested in Milan return but it doesn t depend on me alone is a sentiment that reflects the complex mechanics of modern transfer negotiations, where player preference is only one piece of the puzzle.

Milan Chapter Fails to Deliver

Nkunku’s single season at Milan during the 2025-26 campaign yielded eight goals in 35 appearances across all competitions — a respectable return, but hardly the kind of output that convinced the Rossoneri hierarchy to make his move permanent. The forward arrived at San Siro with high expectations following a difficult spell at Chelsea, where injuries and form issues limited his impact after a £52 million move from Leipzig in 2023. A knee surgery just weeks after his arrival in London disrupted his adaptation, and he managed 18 goals in 62 games for the Blues before the loan switch to Italy.

Despite some memorable moments in a Milan shirt — including a penalty in the 3-1 win over Genoa in May 2026 — Nkunku never truly settled. The club’s decision to send him back to Leipzig on loan with an option to buy now looks like a sensible piece of business for all parties, particularly given the player’s evident comfort in Germany.

Family Atmosphere and Fan Affection

Speaking about his connection to Leipzig, Nkunku was effusive. “I experienced some very significant moments in my career and my life in Leipzig and with RB,” he added. “I really enjoyed those four years. I can also feel how much the fans love me, and I sense that family atmosphere. That’s important to me. I’m very happy. I feel very comfortable in the city and at the club. I know everything here from my previous time. It’s a special place for me.”

That emotional attachment is likely to weigh heavily on any final decision. While Milan may still hold hopes of integrating the forward into their long-term plans, the player’s public comments have made it clear where his heart lies. The phrase Nkunku uninterested in Milan return but it doesn t depend on me alone captures the essence of the situation: personal preference points one way, but contractual and financial realities will ultimately dictate the outcome.

What Happens Next?

With the season still in its early stages, both clubs have time to assess their options. Leipzig will monitor Nkunku’s form and fitness, while Milan will consider whether the €28 million buy option represents value for a player who struggled to make a lasting impression in Serie A. The forward’s current tally of four goals and two assists in eight games suggests he is returning to the levels that once made him one of Europe’s most coveted attackers.

For now, Nkunku is content to let his football do the talking. His message is consistent: he is happy in Leipzig, open to staying, but aware that the final call is not his alone. As the season progresses, the saga surrounding Nkunku uninterested in Milan return but it doesn t depend on me alone will continue to develop, with the forward’s future likely to be resolved in the summer transfer window.

Conclusion

Christopher Nkunku’s future appears increasingly likely to lie in Germany rather than Italy. His strong start to the season, combined with his emotional connection to Leipzig and the club’s €28 million buy option, makes a permanent stay the most probable outcome. Yet, as the player himself has stressed, the decision is not his alone. Milan and Leipzig will need to reach an agreement, and until then, the situation remains unresolved. What is clear, however, is that Nkunku has no burning desire to return to San Siro — and that, in itself, is a significant development in the transfer saga.