Nkunku's spell at AC Milan has come to an early end after just one season, with the France forward returning on loan to RB Leipzig, the club where he first established himself as one of European football's most sought-after attackers.
AC Milan confirmed the move in an official statement: "AC Milan announce that they have transferred, on a temporary basis with an option for a permanent deal, the sporting services of player Christopher Nkunku to RB Leipzig until 30 June 2027.
"The club thanks Christopher for the professionalism and commitment shown and wishes him the very best, personally and professionally, for this new experience."
The loan is reported to be worth around €3m-4m, with Leipzig holding a buyout option in the region of €28m-30m should they choose to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
Nkunku arrived at Milan last summer from Chelsea for a reported fee of between €37m and €42m but managed just 35 official appearances across all competitions, a return well short of expectations after a difficult, injury-affected campaign in Serie A. Under the terms of the deal, Milan and Leipzig will each cover half of his wages for the duration of the loan.
It marks Nkunku's second spell in Germany. RB Leipzig, who sold Nkunku to Chelsea in 2023 for around €60m after a run of prolific seasons in the Bundesliga, welcomed him back in their own statement: "Christopher Nkunku has returned to RB Leipzig on loan from Milan for the 2026/27 season. The Red Bulls have also included an option for the permanent purchase of the striker.
"Christo and RB Leipzig share a special relationship spanning four years, 172 official matches, 126 goals and two DFB-Pokal titles. Now, the striker is ready to write a new chapter with the Red Bulls."
Should Leipzig activate the option next summer, reports in Germany suggest a new four-year contract running to June 2031 is already in place for Nkunku to sign.