Man Utd tried to sign a former Chelsea star as their fifth summer signing, but he decided to say no.
Former Chelsea midfielder Christopher Nkunku turned down a move to Manchester United during the summer transfer window, according to his new club’s sporting director.
Nkunku left Chelsea in 2025 to join AC Milan, where he scored eight goals in 35 games across all competitions. However, new Milan coach Ruben Amorim didn’t see him as part of the team’s plans, so Nkunku went back to his old club RB Leipzig on a season-long loan.
Chelsea had paid £52 million for Nkunku in 2023 after his great form at Leipzig, but his start at Stamford Bridge was delayed until December because of knee surgery. He didn’t manage to secure a regular spot in the Premier League under managers Mauricio Pochettino and Enzo Maresca, but he played an important part in Chelsea’s successful Conference League run, scoring seven goals in 15 games.
Nkunku was strongly linked with Manchester United last year but ended up moving to Milan. United showed interest again this summer, with head coach Michael Carrick wanting more depth for their Champions League campaign. Their interest goes back to the 2021/22 season under interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
United’s focus on signing midfielders raised some questions, as they didn’t actively pursue options at left-back or add many attackers, having already signed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko last summer. Marcus Rashford also returned after a loan to Barcelona.
Now, Nkunku is back at Leipzig, who have the choice to buy him for €28 million after the loan ends. Leipzig’s sporting director Marcel Schafer said the loan only happened because Nkunku really wanted to return. Schafer added that two Premier League clubs had also been interested but Nkunku chose Leipzig.
According to the report, these two Premier League sides were Manchester United and Newcastle, both looking to boost their attacking options late in the transfer window.
Meanwhile, Leipzig signed highly-rated striker Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille on deadline day. The 21-year-old made his debut as a substitute in Newcastle’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.
Manchester United brought in four senior players, including midfielders Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans, and Andrey Santos. The combined fee for these three was over £150 million. They also signed reserve goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer after his contract with rivals Leeds expired, and winger Tynan Thompson from Tottenham to join their academy squad.