AC Milan have confirmed the departures of two young players eligible to represent Nigeria, midfielder Victor Eletu and full-back Zachary Athekame, as the Serie A club reshapes its squad ahead of the 2026-27 season under new manager Ruben Amorim.
Eletu, 21, who joined Milan’s youth academy in 2021, is moving to Serie C side Pescara on a permanent deal, despite having a year remaining on his contract at San Siro. He is expected to sign a three-year contract with the newly promoted club as it pushes for promotion to Serie B.
Athekame, a 21-year-old full-back eligible for both Switzerland and Nigeria, will spend the coming season on loan after struggling to break into Amorim’s plans during preseason. He joined Milan last year from Swiss club Young Boys and made 27 league appearances in his debut campaign, contributing two goals and two assists.
Amorim has opted to deploy Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze in the wing-back role Athekame had been competing for, limiting the young defender’s opportunities under the new system.
The moves are part of a broader squad overhaul at Milan this summer as the club looks to trim its wage bill and clear out players who do not fit Amorim’s tactical approach ahead of the new campaign.
