RB Leipzig have made an encouraging start to the 2026/27 season, beating Borussia Moenchengladbach 3-0 at the Red Bull Arena on matchday one to sit fourth in the Bundesliga table after a single game. The result carries real significance for a club that spent last season outside European competition entirely and is now preparing for a return to the Champions League.

The arrival of Christopher Nkunku has given the squad a genuine lift. The 28-year-old Frenchman, who scored 70 goals during his first spell at the club between 2019 and 2023 and shared the Bundesliga golden boot in 2022/23, returns on a season-long loan from AC Milan with a purchase option reported at 28 million euros. Sport director Marcel Schäfer described Nkunku's desire to return as a clear signal of his connection to the club, and Nkunku himself said he is fit and ready to contribute straight away. His return fills the gap left by Yan Diomande, who departed for Real Madrid in the summer.

The club is also monitoring Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Robert Andrich, according to Sky, with new head coach Martin Demichelis identifying central midfield as an area needing reinforcement before the transfer window closes. Andrich has been stripped of the captaincy at Leverkusen under new manager Carles Martinez, making a move plausible.

On the European front, Leipzig's Champions League group draw produced a demanding set of opponents, including Real Madrid away and Manchester United away, with Manchester City and RC Lens among the home fixtures. Sport director Marcel Leipzig told Sky the club wants to make an impact. Next up in the Bundesliga is a trip to Werder Bremen on September 5.