Milan’s squad overhaul drives €32m exit for Christopher Nkunku

AC Milan must reshape their squad as new Rossoneri head coach Ruben Amorim has ruled Frenchman Christopher Nkunku out of his 2026‑27 plans, prompting a €32 million exit to RB Leipzig that includes a €4 million loan fee and a €28 million purchase option.

Why Milan are clearing space

Amorim has made it clear that Nkunku, together with Fikayo Tomori, Youssouf Fofana and Santiago Gimenez, are not in his plans for the 2026‑27 campaign. Milan’s first match of that season begins away at Torino on Sunday evening.

Milan originally paid a €37 million fee, not including bonuses, to acquire Nkunku from Chelsea last summer. In the 2025‑26 Serie A campaign he logged 32 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing three assists. He also added one goal in two Coppa Italia outings.

Reports describe Nkunku as surplus to requirements at the San Siro and note that his former club Leipzig are eager to bring him back to the Bundesliga. The Frenchman’s familiarity with Leipzig’s system is cited as a key factor in the negotiations.

Ruben Amorim could reunite with two former players at Milan in January

Deal structure and financial terms

The agreement centres on an initial season‑long loan costing €4 million, with an option to purchase for an additional €28 million, bringing the total potential outlay to €32 million. Both clubs have confirmed the structure, and the loan‑to‑buy model allows Leipzig to assess the player before committing fully.

Transfer specialist Gianluca Di Marzio reported that Milan and Leipzig are ‘very close’ to settling the remaining details and signing the paperwork. Multiple outlets have echoed the news, indicating that the deal is on the brink of completion.

The transaction must be concluded before Milan’s Sunday fixture, where a Probable line‑up will be announced for the Torino clash. The upcoming match follows Milan’s recent Serie A encounter with AS Roma in November 2025. Should any contractual snag arise, the clubs have indicated they are prepared to resolve it swiftly to meet the deadline.