According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan are seriously considering bringing Zachary Athekame back to Italy as early as January rather than waiting until June. Athekame is on loan at Lyon from AC Milan.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claim
La Gazzetta dello Sport said Milan are weighing up an early return for Athekame in January. Antonio Vitiello also suggested in an editorial for MilanNews that AC Milan could try to bring Zachary Athekame back in January.
What Antonio Vitiello said
Antonio Vitiello wrote: "In the past few hours, we’ve seen yet another assist from Athekame during Lyon’s last match. The Swiss full-back is performing exceptionally well, has had top performances in France, and is having a wonderful experience."
Antonio Vitiello wrote: "Remember, the transfer is on loan, so Lyon has no option to keep the player at the end of the season. But what if Milan were to bring him in in January?"
Antonio Vitiello wrote: "Remember when the same thing happened with Gabbia at Villarreal? The management terminated the loan after six months. It’s an idea that might be of interest in the coming weeks."
Athekame's season so far
GOAL says Athekame has scored two goals and provided three assists in the 2026-27 Ligue 1 season. GOAL says he also supplied two assists on his debut for Switzerland in North Macedonia.
GOAL says Lyon are level with Paris Saint-Germain at the top of Ligue 1 on 14 points.
Contract and financial details
GOAL says AC Milan paid €10 million for Athekame in summer 2025, and Young Boys are entitled to 10% of any future sale. GOAL says Athekame played 29 matches and scored 2 goals under Allegri last year, and is under contract with AC Milan until 2030.
According to Calcio e Finanza, Athekame earns €1 million net, around €1.85 million gross.