Return to the Bundesliga? Trio featuring Nick Woltemade and Jadon Sancho allegedly on top club's shortlist

After Said El Mala's withdrawal, RB Leipzig must look for alternatives for their attack. Nick Woltemade is also said to play a role.

According to a report by Leipziger Volkszeitung, the Germany international is on the Bulls' list alongside former Bundesliga stars Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku.

Nkunku would not only return to Germany's top flight but also to familiar surroundings. He was already under contract in Leipzig between 2019 and 2023, contributing 70 goals and 56 assists in 172 competitive appearances in that spell. He also finished as the Bundesliga's top scorer in 2022/23.

Right now, the trail to the Frenchman, who is currently under contract with AC Milan, is said to be the hottest. Intensive negotiations are reportedly already taking place between the Italian top club and Leipzig, with Bild even writing that a return is "almost perfect".

If the deal still collapses at the last minute, RB would have to turn to alternatives, with Woltemade and Sancho considered possible candidates. According to Leipziger Volkszeitung, after a difficult first year at Newcastle United, Woltemade is "sitting on packed suitcases". If a suitable offer arrives, the English club would likely be open to talks.

Why did a transfer of Said El Mala to RB Leipzig not go through?

After Yan Diomande's €125 million move to Real Madrid, Leipzig are looking for a successor to the Ivorian. The Saxony club had originally identified Said El Mala as their preferred candidate, but after his move to BVB fell through, he extended his contract with Cologne early until 2031.

A move for Hoffenheim's Fisnik Asllani had also fallen through at the final hurdle. As the Kosovo international failed the medical, Leipzig decided against signing him.