Leipzig Move Closer To Permanent Nkunku Deal As €28M Decision Looms

RB Leipzig are increasingly likely to make Christopher Nkunku's return permanent, with the French attacker reportedly eager to remain at the Red Bull Arena beyond the current season.

According to Italian transfer journalist Nicolò Schira, Leipzig are very satisfied with Nkunku's performances since his return from AC Milan and are seriously considering activating their €28 million purchase option.

The 28-year-old is also understood to favour staying in Germany, potentially removing a significant obstacle to a permanent transfer.

Although no final decision has been announced, the latest development suggests both the club and the player are moving towards the same outcome.

Leipzig Increasingly Convinced By Nkunku

Nkunku returned to Leipzig on loan from AC Milan during the summer, rejoining the club where he previously established himself as one of the Bundesliga's most dangerous attacking players.

His return was initially accompanied by questions about whether he could rediscover the influence that made him such an important figure during his first spell.

However, Leipzig's management are reportedly encouraged by what they have seen.

Under Martín Demichelis, Nkunku offers a different attacking profile from the club's other forwards.

Rather than remaining fixed on the defensive line, the Frenchman frequently drops into pockets behind the opposition midfield, looking to receive possession before accelerating towards goal or combining with teammates around the penalty area.

That movement gives the Red Bulls another way to break down opponents who defend deep, particularly when Antonio Nusa stretches the opposition on the left, and Rômulo or Gomis occupy the central defenders.

Nkunku's ability to operate as a second striker, attacking midfielder or wider forward also gives Demichelis flexibility when adjusting his attacking setup.

His recent adductor problems have interrupted his momentum, however, forcing him to miss Tuesday's dramatic DFB-Pokal victory against Rot-Weiss Essen.

€28 Million Option Could Prove An Attractive Deal

Leipzig's reported €28 million purchase option represents a potentially significant opportunity.

The club would be securing a player who already understands the environment, has extensive Bundesliga experience and possesses qualities that complement the current attacking group.

Nkunku's previous spell provides an obvious reference point.

Between 2019 and 2023, he developed into one of the club's best-ever players, winning the Bundesliga Player of the Season award in 2021/22 and finishing as the league's joint-top scorer in 2022/23.

He also played an important role in Leipzig's historic back-to-back DFB-Pokal triumphs.

However, his history at the club cannot be the only consideration.

Die Roten Bullen must evaluate whether his current performances, physical condition and expected long-term contribution justify the investment, particularly given the competition for attacking positions.

The €28 million clause gives the club a defined price rather than forcing them into fresh negotiations over a transfer fee.

Nkunku's Preference Strengthens Leipzig's Position

Perhaps the most encouraging part of Schira's report is Nkunku's desire to stay.

A permanent transfer would require more than Leipzig's willingness to activate the purchase option. The player's own commitment to the project is equally important.

For Nkunku, remaining at RB would offer continuity after several changes of club and the opportunity to continue working in a familiar environment.

For Demichelis, keeping the Frenchman would preserve an experienced attacking option alongside younger players such as Nusa, Tidiam Gomis, and Brajan Gruda.

The coming months will still be decisive, especially as Leipzig assesses Nkunku's fitness and contribution across the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal.

But with the player reportedly keen to stay and the Red Bulls increasingly convinced by his performances, a permanent reunion is becoming a realistic prospect rather than merely an option written into his loan agreement.