AC Milan are reportedly exploring the possibility of an early recall for defender Zachary Athekame from his season-long loan spell at Olympique Lyonnais. However, these efforts are understood to be meeting significant resistance, with both the French club and Athekame himself reportedly reluctant to agree to an immediate return to San Siro.
Milan’s Rationale and Injury Impact
Milan’s reported interest in bringing Athekame back ahead of schedule is largely driven by concerns over Samuel Chukwueze’s fitness. The Nigerian international, who had started six out of seven Serie A matches at right wing-back for Milan under Ruben Amorim this season, is now facing a considerable period on the sidelines. He has sustained a hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for two to three months.
Athekame initially joined Lyon on loan for the entire 2026-27 season in August, following his transfer to Milan from Young Boys the previous summer. A key detail of the agreement is that the loan deal does not include an option for Lyon to make the move permanent.
Athekame’s Strong Form and Lyon’s Stance
Since his arrival in Ligue 1, Athekame has quickly established himself as a vital player for Olympique Lyonnais. The defender has enjoyed an excellent start to his loan spell, contributing significantly with two goals and three assists in his first seven league appearances. His impressive performances have made him a key figure under manager Paulo Fonseca, who reportedly considers him his first-choice right-back.
Reports indicate that Milan representatives have recently been in direct contact with their counterparts in Lyon to discuss the possibility of Athekame’s return in January. However, both the player and his loan club do not appear convinced by this idea. Athekame is keen to continue his development and complete his full loan spell with Lyon, where he has thrived. This preference, combined with Lyon’s desire to retain a crucial member of their squad, creates a challenging situation for Milan’s reported attempts to secure his early return. For now, Athekame remains an integral part of Lyon’s plans, with his future at Milan seemingly set to be addressed only after the conclusion of the current season.