RB Leipzig have reached a preliminary agreement with AC Milan to bring Christopher Nkunku back to the German club, but the French striker’s next move remains undecided as Newcastle United continue to pursue a permanent transfer.
The proposed arrangement would see Nkunku join RB Leipzig on loan for €3m, with the deal including an option to buy worth about €27m, according to Foot Mercato. However, the transfer has not yet been completed because RB Leipzig still need to agree personal terms with the player.
Nkunku is now at a crossroads after a spell with AC Milan that has not unfolded as expected. RB Leipzig are attempting to take him back to where his career previously developed, while AC Milan continue to assess the most suitable way to part company with the forward.
The German club’s proposal would initially provide a temporary solution, allowing Nkunku to return to RB Leipzig before any potential permanent move is considered. The loan fee and purchase option have formed the basis of the preliminary understanding between the clubs, but the unresolved discussions with the player remain a key obstacle.
Newcastle United remain firmly involved in the race and are continuing talks with both RB Leipzig and the player’s representatives. The Premier League club are seeking to structure the transfer as a permanent move rather than a loan.
That approach could give Newcastle United an important advantage in the negotiations. AC Milan may prefer to secure an immediate sale for Nkunku instead of agreeing to a loan that would leave the player’s future dependent on a purchase option being exercised at a later stage.
The contrast between the two proposals has left the transfer open. RB Leipzig’s plan would see Nkunku return on loan with a possible €27m purchase, while Newcastle United are pushing for a deal that would take the striker away from AC Milan permanently.
Despite the preliminary agreement between AC Milan and RB Leipzig, no final transfer has been concluded. A contract agreement between Nkunku and RB Leipzig is still required before the German club can complete the move.
AC Milan are therefore continuing to examine their options as negotiations develop. The Italian side must decide whether to accept RB Leipzig’s loan-based proposal or favour Newcastle United’s attempt to complete an immediate permanent transfer.
For Nkunku, the decision represents a choice between returning to RB Leipzig and attempting to rebuild his career there, or moving to Newcastle United in a permanent deal. His next destination will depend on the player’s agreement with RB Leipzig and the outcome of the continuing discussions involving all three clubs.
