AC Milan Eye January Recall for Zachary Athekame as Right-Side Woes Mount

FolioPitch.com – 21 October 2026 | AC Milan are actively exploring the possibility of bringing Zachary Athekame back to San Siro ahead of schedule, and the reasoning behind the move is becoming increasingly clear. As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the young Swiss full-back has flourished during his loan spell at Lyon, prompting Milan to consider an early return as soon as the January transfer window. This development is at the heart of the discussion around GdS Why Milan are evaluating Athekame s early return and how it could materialise, with the Italian giants weighing their options carefully.

Athekame, 21, has been a revelation in Ligue 1 since joining Lyon on a dry loan last summer. He has started every league match for his temporary employers, never playing fewer than 90 minutes, and has contributed two goals and three assists from a right-sided role. His latest assist came in a victory over Nice that propelled Lyon to the top of the table and earned him the Man of the Match award. Such performances have inevitably caught the eye, with L’Equipe even drawing comparisons to David Beckham for his crossing and set-piece delivery.

The player’s form has not gone unnoticed at Milanello. Milan’s right flank has been a problem area all season. Alexis Saelemaekers remains sidelined for at least another four months, while Samuel Chukwueze has struggled with the defensive responsibilities of a traditional winger. The recent shift to a four-man defence in possession has been partly designed to compensate for these deficiencies. Against Atalanta, Chukwueze’s difficulties forced coach Amorim to deploy Omari Hutchinson in an unfamiliar role. With Davide Bartesaghi and Pervis Estupiñán occupying the left and Christian Pulisic operating centrally, the right side lacks a natural, reliable presence. This is precisely why GdS Why Milan are evaluating Athekame s early return and how it could materialise has become a hot topic in the corridors of Casa Milan.

Bringing Athekame back would address multiple issues at once. It would allow Chukwueze to focus purely on attacking, with the Nigerian completing a flank partnership anchored by the Swiss international. In the 4-3-3 system that has been adopted, Mario Gila could then revert to his natural centre-back position, adding solidity to the back line. The prospect of competing at the top of the table is also a persuasive argument for the player himself, who left Milan in search of regular minutes but now sees a clear pathway to a starting spot.

During his previous stint with the Rossoneri, Athekame made 29 appearances and scored two goals, leaving a strong impression in his final weeks before the loan move. His development in France has only reinforced the belief that he is ready for a more prominent role. The fact that he was sent on a dry loan—without any option or obligation to buy—means Milan retain full control of his future, and he is currently scheduled to return next summer. However, there is room for negotiation, especially if Athekame himself pushes for an immediate return.

The main hurdle is securing Lyon’s approval. Given his importance to the team’s title challenge, the French club will be reluctant to sanction an early exit. Milan are prepared to apply persistent pressure and may even offer financial compensation to sweeten the deal. As the January window approaches, the dialogue between the two clubs will be closely monitored.

Even if a January move fails to materialise, a summer return appears inevitable. At 21, Athekame is beginning to justify the €10 million investment made by former director Igli Tare, who signed him from Young Boys. His rise has been rapid: since debuting for Switzerland last September, he has earned four caps, starting three, and provided two assists on his debut. Such pedigree suggests he could become a cornerstone of Milan’s defence for years to come.

In conclusion, the potential early return of Zachary Athekame represents a proactive solution to Milan’s defensive frailties. While Lyon’s resistance and the player’s own ambitions will shape the outcome, the Rossoneri’s interest is genuine and growing. As the season progresses, the question of GdS Why Milan are evaluating Athekame s early return and how it could materialise will only intensify, with fans and analysts alike watching to see if the prodigal full-back returns to shore up the right flank.