A Strategic Loan for Future Success
Official Confirmation of Athekame's Loan to Olympique Lyonnais
The transfer of Zachary Athekame from AC Milan to Olympique Lyonnais for the 2026/27 season has been officially sealed. This confirms earlier reports of an agreement reached last week, culminating in Athekame successfully completing his medical examinations and formally signing his loan contract this afternoon. The move is structured as a dry loan, explicitly stating no option for Olympique Lyonnais to make the transfer permanent at the conclusion of the season.
Terms of the Loan Agreement: A Dry Transfer
As per the joint official statements released by both clubs, Athekame's loan to Olympique Lyonnais is for a single year and does not include any clauses for extension or a permanent transfer. It is understood that the Ligue 1 club will assume full responsibility for Athekame's salary throughout the duration of this loan period, reflecting a clear financial arrangement beneficial to all parties involved.
Athekame's Journey: From Young Boys to Milan and Now Lyon
AC Milan secured Zachary Athekame's services from Young Boys just a year ago, in a deal valued at €10 million, with additional performance-based incentives and a 10% future sale clause. Despite the initial investment, Athekame's debut season saw him record two goals and two assists across 29 competitive appearances, a performance that perhaps fell short of expectations. With his contract at Milan extending until June 2030, this loan to France is anticipated to be a pivotal step in helping the right-back, who turns 22 in December and boasts 17 caps for Switzerland's Under-21 squad, regain his previous impressive form.
