Christopher Nkunku turned down approaches from Manchester United and Newcastle before choosing to return to RB Leipzig on loan, according to German newspaper BILD.
The former Chelsea forward, 28, has rejoined the Bundesliga club for the remainder of the 2026-27 season after a difficult spell with AC Milan. Nkunku scored only eight goals in 35 appearances for the Italian side, with his move from Chelsea failing to produce the impact expected.
His return to RB Leipzig gives him the chance to rebuild his form at the club where he developed into one of Europe’s leading attacking players.
Nkunku’s decision came despite interest from two Premier League clubs. Manchester United and Newcastle were both seeking to strengthen their attacks during the summer transfer window and made approaches for the France international.
However, BILD reports that Nkunku preferred a return to familiar surroundings rather than moving to the Premier League. The forward is understood to have been determined to go back to RB Leipzig as he attempts to recover his best form following two disappointing seasons.
Nkunku originally established his reputation at RB Leipzig, becoming one of the most highly regarded attackers in European football during his first spell with the club. That period made him a sought-after player and ultimately led to his move to Chelsea.
His time at Chelsea was followed by a transfer to AC Milan, but the move did not develop as hoped. The eight goals he scored in 35 appearances were not enough to make the spell a success, and he has now opted for a temporary return to the club where he previously enjoyed the most productive period of his career.
The loan move to RB Leipzig runs until the end of the 2026-27 season. It represents an opportunity for Nkunku to regain confidence and rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s best attackers, while Manchester United and Newcastle will have to continue their searches for attacking reinforcements elsewhere.
Nkunku’s choice also means he will return to a setting he already knows, rather than take up the Premier League options that were presented to him during the summer transfer window. BILD’s report identifies Manchester United and Newcastle as the two clubs whose approaches he rejected before agreeing to resume his career at RB Leipzig.