MILAN (AP) – AC Milan signed defender Zachary Athekame on Friday, adding another Swiss player this month as seven European champions attempted to return to the Champions League.
Milan said Athekame, 20, has signed a five-year contract. The transfer fee for the former young boy’s right-back is 10 million euros ($11.7 million).
Swiss Under 21 International arrived in Milan after former Lucerne playmaker Ardon Jasharri joined from Club Bruges for 36 million euros ($42 million).
Milan finished 8th in Serie A last season and was unable to compete in the European competition.
Athekame played in all eight of the Young Boys Champions League last season. The Swiss title holder lost all eight to finish in the 36 team standings. Milan came in 13th and was then eliminated in a knockout playoff by Faye Nod.
Athekame was released as a teenager by his hometown club Servette and performed in the second tier division of Neuchatel Xamax just 15 months ago.
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