Christopher Nkunku has returned to RB Leipzig, but a key detail is missing from the offensive star's homecoming. The 28-year-old has joined on a one-year loan from AC Milan, yet he does not have a squad number.
Nkunku completed his first training session with the team on Tuesday. His comeback in the Red Bull jersey is scheduled for Saturday at 15:30 in the Bundesliga opener against Borussia Mönchengladbach. RB Leipzig begins the new season as fourth-placed finishers from the previous campaign with 56 points from 29 games. Marco Rose's team recorded 17 wins, five draws, and seven losses, ending the season with a +20 goal difference. This placed the Saxons 20 points behind champions Bayern Munich in the final table.
Why doesn't Nkunku have a number yet?
The issue is the number 18. Christopher Nkunku has worn this digit for years and associates it with his greatest successes. While wearing it at RB Leipzig, he became Bundesliga top scorer and Footballer of the Year in Germany. He also wore the number 18 at his subsequent clubs Chelsea and AC Milan. However, at RB Leipzig, the number 18 is currently assigned to Suleman Sani. The 19-year-old Nigerian winger was signed in the winter but currently plays no role in the team. The club wants to offload him again after just half a year and is seeking a new loan club for him. So far, there have been no interested parties.
When will the number 18 become available?
The final squad lists and numbers are submitted to the DFL at the start of the season. Changes or new assignments can still occur until the end of the transfer window. The summer transfer window closes on Tuesday, September 1st, at 18:00. It is considered almost certain that Suleman Sani will have to give up the number 18. The young Nigerian is meanwhile playing with the U19s in an 'RBL-Cup' friendly against Porto on Wednesday at 13:00 at Cottaweg. The official press release announcing Nkunku's signing unusually made no mention of a squad number, which is otherwise standard practice. In photos and videos from his contract signing day, the star was seen in a blank jersey without any lettering on the back.
What does this mean for the fans?
RB Leipzig fans are celebrating the return of their former favorite but cannot currently order a jersey with his name. As long as no number is confirmed, shirt sales are on hold. The anticipation for the first competitive match is high nonetheless. The team faces Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday, who finished last season in 14th place. You can find all upcoming fixtures on our fixtures page. The current squad overview with all players and their numbers is available on the squad page.
What's next for RB Leipzig?
With Nkunku, RB Leipzig regains an offensively potent player who can strengthen the team immediately. His involvement in the first match of the season is planned. Resolving the squad number is a formality that must be completed in the coming days. The focus now is on the sporting restart. The team aims to build on the strong form from the end of last season, which concluded with a WWWLW run. Complete statistics and the current league position can be found in the standings. The return of a key player like Nkunku gives the entire club an additional boost for the challenges ahead.
