AC Milan defender Zachary Athekame is set to continue his career in France after the Italian club agreed a one-year loan move to Lyon for the 21-year-old Switzerland international, according to Milan News.
The agreement does not include an option for Lyon to buy Athekame permanently at the end of the loan. The defender will therefore return to AC Milan when the temporary arrangement expires, unless a further agreement is reached between the clubs.
Athekame joined AC Milan last season from Swiss club Young Boys in a transfer worth €10m. Since moving to Italy, he has made 33 appearances for the club, scoring twice and providing five assists.
His goals came in matches against Pisa and Genoa. He has also received five yellow cards during his time at AC Milan.
The move to Lyon will give Athekame the opportunity to continue his development in Ligue 1 while remaining contracted to AC Milan. The French club have agreed to take him on loan without a permanent transfer clause, meaning the terms of the deal do not allow them to automatically secure his services on a long-term basis.
Athekame’s current market value is estimated at €15m by Transfermarkt. That valuation is €5m higher than the fee AC Milan paid Young Boys for the defender last season.
The player has also represented Switzerland at youth level, making 17 appearances for his country’s youth national team. His record includes the two goals and five assists registered during his club career since joining AC Milan.
The move marks a change of club for Athekame after one season in Italy. He will now join Lyon for the duration of the agreed loan, while AC Milan retain his registration and the two clubs continue to follow the terms of the deal without a purchase option.