Official: Nkunku joins Leipzig on loan with option to buy | OneFootball

Milan have confirmed the departure of Christopher Nkunku, with the France forward joining RB Leipzig on loan until 30 June 2027 with an option to make the move permanent.

Milan’s official statement reads: “AC Milan can confirm that Christopher Nkunku has joined RB Leipzig on loan, with an option to make the deal permanent, until 30 June 2027.

“The Club would like to thank Christopher for the professionalism and dedication that he has shown and wish him all the best for the upcoming season.”

Nkunku returns to Leipzig after struggles at Milan

The move takes the forward back to the club where he built his reputation before joining Chelsea. He completed the second part of his medical, having flown to Germany the previous evening.

Reports in Italy place the deal at an initial €4m for the loan, with the option set at €28m, taking the total to €32m should Leipzig exercise it at the end of the campaign.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 03: Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AC Milan at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 03, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Nkunku’s single season in Milan brought 35 appearances, eight goals and three assists. He was among the players moved outside Ruben Amorim’s plans this summer, alongside Youssouf Fofana and Fikayo Tomori.

His exit eases the squad situation for a Milan hierarchy still working to move Santiago Gimenez on, with the Mexican training away from the group while the club press Porto to convert their proposed option into an obligation at €20m.