Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg have confirmed the signing of Zambia Under-17 captain Jonathan Kalimina, with the highly rated defender set to officially join the club in January 2027, when he turns 18.
Kalimina will sign a long-term contract with the Bundesliga giants, a club widely respected for grooming young talents and preparing them for Europe’s elite leagues. Salzburg’s structured development model makes the move a major milestone in the teenager’s rapidly rising career.
The young defender rose to prominence at the 2024 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he captained Zambia to a historic first-ever qualification to the knockout stages of the tournament. His leadership, composure, and defensive intelligence stood out against some of the world’s best young talents, attracting interest from several European clubs.
Kalimina’s move also reinforces Salzburg’s growing connection with Zambian football. Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu previously passed through the club before securing moves to Europe’s top leagues, and the pathway remains a proven one.
Daka was quick to congratulate the youngster, posting on social media:
“Congratulations young man, you’ll surely be in good hands and will enjoy every moment. Good luck.”
With two years still to mature at youth level before the switch, Salzburg are expected to carefully manage Kalimina’s development, ensuring he is physically and tactically ready for the demands of European football when he finally arrives in Austria.
