Manchester United and Newcastle United reportedly missed out on Christopher Nkunku after the France international made clear that he wanted to return to RB Leipzig.
The 28-year-old completed a season-long loan move from AC Milan to Leipzig in August, with the Bundesliga club holding an option to make the transfer permanent. BILD has reported that both Premier League sides showed an interest in signing the former Chelsea forward during the summer window. ([bild.de](https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/rb-leipzig-sportchef-schaefer-verraet-details-so-lief-der-nkunku-transfer-wirklich-6a9a875e08c763dcf81f3bff))
Christopher Nkunku rejected Manchester United and Newcastle interest
Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer indicated that the deal would not have been possible had Nkunku been willing to consider other offers. He said two Premier League clubs were prepared to stretch their finances beyond what the German side could match.
BILD subsequently identified those clubs as Manchester United and Newcastle, with the report stating that Nkunku rejected both approaches because he wanted to return to Leipzig.
The forward’s preference was also reflected in his comments after the move. Nkunku said he did not hesitate when the opportunity arose, describing Leipzig as the place where he developed most as a player. ([bundesliga.com](https://www.bundesliga.com/de/bundesliga/news/rb-leipzig-christopher-nkunku-interview-comeback-ruckkehr-38800))
Leipzig’s official announcement confirmed that the club had brought Nkunku back from AC Milan on loan with a purchase option. Schäfer said the Frenchman’s versatility would give the side additional attacking options, while the Bundesliga noted that he had made 172 competitive appearances for the club during his first spell, contributing to 126 goals. ([bundesliga.com](https://www.bundesliga.com/de/bundesliga/news/transfer-rb-leipzig-christopher-nkunku-ac-mailand-leihe-38761))
Nkunku left Leipzig for Chelsea in 2023, but his time in England was disrupted by injuries and he struggled to establish himself as a regular influence at Stamford Bridge. He subsequently moved to Milan before agreeing to return to Germany.
Manchester United strengthened their midfield during the summer but could still benefit from greater creativity and depth in the final third. Newcastle, meanwhile, were also looking for further attacking options, but both clubs will now have to look elsewhere after Nkunku chose a Bundesliga comeback.
