Milan Transfer Market: Ruben Amorim Rules Out One of Massimiliano Allegri’s Favorites

One of the departures in the Rossoneri’s new era involves a name that’s somewhat unexpected: Zachary Athekame is, in fact, set to leave Milan after just one season. The Swiss fullback, one of the players Massimiliano Allegri has relied on most over the past year, is in fact on the verge of a transfer to Lyon. According to ‘La Gazzetta dello Sport’, the agreement between the clubs is for a straight loan, a solution that will allow Milan to reassess the player’s future in June 2027.

The decision has surprised more than a few insiders, especially given the 2004-born player’s performances: 29 total appearances, including 27 in Serie A, and two crucial goals. The first came on October 24, 2025, against Pisa, scored in the 93rd minute to seal a 2-2 draw; the second, on May 17 at Marassi against Genoa, in the 2-1 victory that had given the Rossoneri false hope of securing fourth place, a goal that ultimately slipped away on the final matchday against Cagliari. Athekame will thus join another former Rossoneri coach, Paulo Fonseca.

The technical rationale is clear: Ruben Amorim has decided to reshuffle the lineup on the wings and did not consider Athekame—despite being reliable and having improved significantly under Allegri—a good fit for the new project. Hence the decision to let him go, even without including buyback options or obligations: Milan wants to maintain control over the player, but at the same time free up space for a signing that better fits the coach’s plans.

A new adventure now begins for Athekame in Ligue 1, a league where he aims to further showcase his technical skills and attacking prowess. Lyon views him as an immediate technical investment, a player to be permanently integrated into the rotation starting this season. Milan, on the other hand, is watching and waiting: in 2027, they’ll reassess the situation, with the possibility of bringing him back to Milan should he truly break out.