AC Milan have officially confirmed the signing of right-back Zachary Athekame from Young Boys on a long-term deal.
With Davide Calabria, Kyle Walker and Emerson Royal leaving AC Milan in the past six months, Milan have a real shortage of right-sided defenders. Massimiliano Allegri, earlier this summer, had even considered using Fikayo Tomori in the position, even if it was for tactical reasons.
Of course, new signing Koni De Winter can lend a hand with coverage. However, entering a season with only Alexis Saelemaekers and Alex Jimenez as right-back options is a dangerous game to play, so the Rossoneri have acted.
The links to Athekame quickly emerged, and the Diavolo have only moved up a little bit since their first bid of €7 million. In fact, this week Fabrizio Romano stated that the deal had been finalised for €10m.
A statement on the official website reads as follows: “AC Milan is delighted to announce the permanent signing of Zachary Christopher Athekame from BSC Young Boys. The Swiss defender has signed a contract with the Club until 30 June 2030.
“Born in Vanløse (Denmark) on 13 December 2004, Zachary came up through the youth ranks in Switzerland with Servetter and Meyrin.
“He joined Neuchâtel Xamax in 2022, with whom he made his professional footballing debut and recorded a total of 51 appearances and two goals, before moving to Young Boys, where he made 47 appearances and scored one goal.
“Also a defender for the Swiss U21 National Team, Zachary Athekame will wear the number 24 shirt.”
The 20-year-old has made almost 50 senior appearances already for Young Boys, including eight in the Champions League. It is a gamble, but one that the club feel confident in.
