Milan Sends Zachary Athekame on One-Year Loan to Olympique Lyonnais
Milan has officially loaned Zachary Athekame to Olympique Lyonnais for the 2026/27 season, without an option for a permanent transfer.
The agreement had been reached last week, and the player successfully passed his medical tests before signing the contract earlier today.
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Athekame joins Lyon on loan
GENOA, ITALY – MAY 17: Zachary Athekame of Milan celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AC Milan at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 17, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
According to the official statement from both clubs, the loan is a dry arrangement for one year, which means there is no option to extend or make it permanent.
The Ligue 1 club is set to cover Athekame’s entire salary during the loan period.
Last year, Milan acquired the Swiss defender from Young Boys for €10 million plus additional fees, which included a 10 percent share of any future sale. However, Athekame’s performance has been underwhelming, contributing only two goals and two assists in 29 competitive matches.
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His contract with Milan runs until June 2030, and there are hopes that he will find his form in France.
Athekame, who turns 22 in December, holds 17 caps for Switzerland at the Under-21 level.
Milan have officially sent Zachary Athekame to Olympique Lyonnais on loan for the 2026/27 season, but there is no option to make it permanent.
The agreement had been reached last week, and the player underwent medical tests before putting pen to paper this afternoon.
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Athekame joins Lyon on loan
GENOA, ITALY – MAY 17: Zachary Athekame of Milan celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AC Milan at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 17, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
As confirmed by the official statement from both clubs, this is a dry loan for one year, meaning there is no option to extend or make it permanent.
It is believed that the Ligue 1 side will cover the entirety of his salary during the loan period.
Milan had paid €10m plus add-ons to sign the Swiss defender from Young Boys just a year ago, including a 10 per cent cut of the future sale, but he failed to make an impact with two goals and two assists in 29 competitive games.
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Athekame’s contract with the Rossoneri still runs to June 2030 and it is hoped he can regain some form in France.
The right-back will turn 22 in December and has 17 caps for Switzerland at Under-21 level.
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