Christopher Nkunku has left Milan to rejoin RB Leipzig on loan, with the German club securing an option to make the move permanent, both clubs confirmed in official statements.
The exit closes a short and underwhelming spell in Milan for the France international, who arrived last season and never settled into a consistent role in attack. Sending him back to the Bundesliga clears a wage from the books and reunites Nkunku with the club where he built his reputation.
The loan runs until 30 June 2027, covering the 2026-27 season, with Leipzig holding the option to buy him outright from Milan. Sky Germany reported earlier in the day that all details between the clubs had been agreed, that Nkunku had completed the first part of his medical, and that only the signature remained. That has now been formalised.
Milan's statement was brief, confirming the loan with an option to buy until 30 June 2027 and thanking Nkunku for "the professionalism and dedication that he has shown" before wishing him well for the season ahead.
Leipzig leaned into the reunion, noting Nkunku's record across his first stint: 172 competitive matches, 70 goals and 56 assists, along with DFB-Pokal wins in 2022 and 2023. "Four years, 172 competitive matches, 126 direct goal involvements and two titles," their statement read. "Christo and RB Leipzig already share a special history. Now the next chapter begins."
Managing director Marcel Schäfer welcomed the return and pointed to the player's own push to make it happen. "We are delighted to have Christo back with us. He has already demonstrated in Leipzig the exceptional quality he brings and his ability to decide games. He knows the club, the city, and the environment, and his flexibility in attack will give us additional options," he said.
Schäfer added that Nkunku turned down other suitors to go back. "We were particularly pleased by how clearly Christo expressed his desire to play for RB Leipzig again. Despite interest from other top European clubs, he was determined to return. This shows his special connection to our club."
The one detail neither club disclosed is money: no loan fee and no figure attached to the purchase option were made public. For Milan, the immediate gain is off the wage bill, with the decision on a permanent departure now resting with Leipzig at the end of the loan.