Austrian champions secure highly rated defender Jonathan Kalimina, who will join the club in 2027 after captaining Zambia to a historic U17 World Cup knockout finish.
Red Bull Salzburg have confirmed the signing of Zambia Under-17 captain Jonathan Kalimina, with the highly rated teenager set to join the Austrian champions in January 2027 when he turns 18.
Kalimina will sign a long-term contract with the Bundesliga side, who are renowned for developing young talent and providing a pathway to Europe’s top leagues.
The defender impressed on the global stage at the 2024 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he captained Zambia to their first-ever appearance in the knockout stages of the tournament. His performances and leadership during the competition drew attention from several European clubs.
Kalimina’s move continues a familiar pathway for Zambian players at Salzburg. Leicester City forward Patson Daka and former Brighton midfielder Enock Mwepu both enjoyed successful spells at the club before moving on to major European leagues.
Daka congratulated the teenager on social media, saying: “Congratulations young man, you’ll surely be in good hands and will enjoy every moment. Good luck.”
Salzburg’s reputation for nurturing young players suggests Kalimina will be given time to develop before making the step into senior European football.
