OL Secures Zachary Athekame on Loan from AC Milan

Olympique Lyonnais (OL) is poised to make a new signing ahead of their Champions League qualifier. Zachary Athekame is expected to join the French club on loan from AC Milan for the upcoming season.

Given Lyon's financial constraints, the club is prioritizing cost-effective acquisitions. The addition of Athekame, a 21-year-old Swiss right-back, aligns with this strategy. According to our sources, OL will bring in the player on a one-year loan deal without an option to buy.

Despite facing competition, Lyon successfully convinced Athekame to join them, with the player being persuaded by the club's project. This move represents a shrewd piece of business for OL, who were keen to secure his signature.

Lyon's Smart Transfer Market Strategy

Last season, Athekame made 27 appearances in Serie A, primarily as a substitute, contributing two goals and two assists. He developed his early career in Switzerland before moving to AC Milan in August 2025. Shortly thereafter, he received his first call-up to the Swiss senior national team.

Despite limited financial resources, a situation exacerbated by the club's near administrative relegation last year, Lyon has been active in the transfer market. Recent summer signings include Noham Kamara (from PSG), Loïs Openda (on loan from Juventus), and Kaïl Boudache (who arrived on a free transfer from Nice). On the outgoing side, the departure of Ainsley Maitland-Niles is anticipated.

English Translation:

Olympique Lyonnais (OL) is set to welcome a new reinforcement. Zachary Athekame is expected to arrive imminently. The Swiss player will be loaned from AC Milan for the season.

Olympique Lyonnais, facing delicate financial management and thus relying on cost-effective reinforcements, will acquire a right-back. According to our information, Lyon will loan Zachary Athekame, a 21-year-old right-back.

The Swiss international joins from AC Milan and will be loaned for one year, with no option to buy. This is a good acquisition for OL, whose management was determined to sign the player and had to contend with competition. However, Athekame was convinced by the Lyonnais project.

OL's Smart Transfer Market

Last season, he played 27 Serie A matches, mostly coming off the bench, scoring two goals and providing two assists. He was trained in Switzerland, where he spent most of his career, before joining AC Milan in Italy in August 2025. A few months later, he received his first call-up to the Swiss senior national team.

Despite limited financial means to stabilize the club's economic situation, which narrowly avoided administrative relegation a year ago, Lyon has been very active in the transfer market so far. Among the summer reinforcements are Noham Kamara (PSG), Loïs Openda (loaned from Juve), and Kaïl Boudache (who arrived on a free transfer from Nice). On the departure front, Ainsley Maitland-Niles is expected to leave.