Athekame joins Lyon on loan from Milan

Olympique Lyonnais has officially announced the signing of Zachary Athekame on loan from AC Milan. The right-back, 21 years old from Switzerland, joins without an option to buy and will remain with the French club for the entire season, as confirmed by L'Équipe.

Athekame, a Swiss international called up to the senior squad in 2025 but without a debut, arrives after appearing in 27 matches for the Rossoneri last campaign, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists. Under contract with Milan until June 2030, the defender needed more playing time.

A solution for an understaffed position

Lyon was seeking alternatives at right-back due to the inconsistency of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who was booed but made amends with a goal against Sparta Prague (3-0), and the youth of Steeve Kango (19 years old). The French club's hierarchy have turned to the former Young Boys Bern player.

One significant drawback: Athekame cannot feature in the crucial Champions League playoff tie against Fenerbahçe (first leg on Tuesday), as the deadline to register in the UEFA list expired Thursday at 23:59.