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.
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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.
Athekame to AC Milan: Now official
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.
technically the defense is done… a quality RB that could also operate as CB would have been nice… someone like Ben White, Timber, Tomiyasu (surprisingly all Arsenal players…), but if Tare sees value in this kid let’s see what he’s got
now the final saga is ST… cleaning up Adli, Bennacer and Chukwueze can give us 30-35M at best
From who? Adli and Bennacer won’t bring in 15M total. Clubs aren’t stupid, they know Milan wants them out.
What are you even talking about? Koni De Winter literally can play as a RB and CB. We signed a player that does both, bud. Or do you just not follow anything?
Milan is ready to start the season
Great to hear! Our right back side is definitely complete. Remember De Winter can also play as a RB, though he’s primarily a CB.
What we keep missing is the central centerback. Gabbis should only be a backup there. We need someone capable of leading the defense there, strong in duels, and positionally sound – a Bremer, Acerbi, de Vrij, Beukema-type.
Low Risk, High Potential Capital Gain. That’s how we do business. Good Luck to this “jewel”.
Did Milan need this signing ?
And is he that good ?
Just curious to find out