Christopher Nkunku seals RB Leipzig comeback with AC Milan loan and €28m option

RB Leipzig have completed the return of Christopher Nkunku from AC Milan on loan for the 2026-27 season, with an option to sign the 28-year-old permanently for €28m. The German club will pay a €3m loan fee for the France international.

Nkunku is returning to Leipzig three years after leaving the club, having established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s leading scorers and creative players during his first spell between 2019 and 2023.

The forward played 172 matches for Leipzig in that period, scoring 70 goals and providing 56 assists. His form helped build his reputation as one of Europe’s most versatile attacking players before he moved on to new challenges.

He has since had spells with Chelsea and AC Milan, but has now chosen to return to the club where he made his biggest impression in Germany.

“When the opportunity to return to Leipzig came up, I wanted to take it with both hands,” Nkunku told the club’s official website.

“I am extremely happy to be back here and I am in very good physical condition, which allows me to help the team immediately. I cannot wait to play again at the Red Bull Arena in front of our supporters.”

Leipzig also confirmed the move on social media, welcoming Nkunku back to the club and highlighting the permanent transfer option included in the agreement.

The decision to re-sign Nkunku was welcomed by Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schafer, who said the player’s determination had been central to the deal.

“We were very impressed by the clear determination Christo showed to play for Leipzig again,” Schafer said.

“Despite interest from several major European clubs, he was determined to return. That reflects his special and close connection with our club.”

Nkunku’s return is expected to give Leipzig’s head coach a range of additional options in attack. The Frenchman can operate on either wing, behind the main striker or as a centre-forward, allowing him to be used in several different tactical roles.

His previous Leipzig spell ended after he had become a key figure for the club, combining goalscoring with chance creation across the front line. His record of 70 goals and 56 assists in 172 appearances underlines the attacking influence Leipzig hope he can reproduce during the 2026-27 campaign.

The loan agreement gives Leipzig the opportunity to make the move permanent at the end of the season for €28m. For now, Nkunku will focus on restarting his career at the club where he enjoyed his most productive period before his experiences with Chelsea and AC Milan.

The French international is already looking forward to returning to the Red Bull Arena, where he will once again play in front of Leipzig’s supporters.