The biggest news at RB Leipzig this week is the return of Christopher Nkunku. The club confirmed on Tuesday evening that the 28-year-old Frenchman has rejoined from AC Milan on a one-year loan, with a purchase option reported at €28 million. It is a statement signing and a direct response to the departure of Yan Diomande to Real Madrid, which had left a significant hole in Leipzig's attack.

Nkunku needs little introduction to Leipzig fans. Between 2019 and 2023 he scored 70 goals in 172 appearances, won two DFB-Pokal titles, was named Germany's Footballer of the Year in 2022, and shared the Bundesliga golden boot in 2023 with 16 goals. Sport director Marcel Schäfer made clear the club had to work hard to secure the deal, noting that other top European clubs were also interested. Nkunku himself said he pushed to come back, describing his desire to play again at the Red Bull Arena.

The signing resolves what had been a frustrating summer in the transfer market. A move for Fisnik Asllani collapsed after a failed medical, and the pursuit of Said El Mala ended when the teenager extended his contract at Cologne until 2031. Those setbacks had piled pressure on coach Martín Demichelis, who had been vocal about needing offensive reinforcements.

On the pitch, Leipzig opened their competitive season with a commanding 6-0 DFB-Pokal win at fourth-tier Eintracht Trier on August 22, a result that will have helped confidence after mixed pre-season form that included defeats to Bayern Munich and Leeds United. The Bundesliga campaign begins at home to Borussia Mönchengladbach on August 29, and Nkunku's arrival gives Demichelis a genuine match-winner ahead of that opener.