FC Basel has loaned striker and third captain Albian Ajeti to current league leaders FC Lugano. The 29-year-old Swiss international leaves the club until the end of the season, with the Ticino side holding an agreed purchase option for the attacker, as FC Basel announced in an official statement. The news was first reported by the news outlet bz Basel.
Ajeti returned to FC Basel in 2024 after spells at West Ham United, Celtic Glasgow, and in Turkey. In his first season back, he made 36 appearances and contributed to 21 goals. These strong performances led to a contract extension until 2028. Since that extension, however, the forward has only managed 47 appearances, scoring five goals and providing two assists.
Why is Ajeti leaving FC Basel?
The sporting prospects for Albian Ajeti at FC Basel had recently become limited. In the central striker position, Zan Celar and Giacomo Koloto are ranked ahead of him in the pecking order. Despite being confirmed as the third team captain by coach Stephan Lichtsteiner before the current season and leading the team out in a friendly against FC Barcelona, he could not secure sufficient playing time. Valentin Stocker, the sporting leader of the first team, commented on the move in a club communiqué. "Due to the currently limited sporting perspective, we decided together with Albian that a loan makes the most sense for both sides at the moment," Stocker said.
FC Basel currently sits in third place in the Super League with 10 points from five games. Their record shows three wins, one draw, and one loss. The team has scored 10 goals and conceded 7 this season, resulting in a +3 goal difference. In the title race, they are just two points behind Ajeti's new club, FC Lugano. Basel's next league match is at home against FC St. Gallen, who are currently fourth, on September 20, 2026. The upcoming fixtures can be checked on our fixtures page.
What does the move mean for FC Lugano?
For FC Lugano, the signing of Albian Ajeti represents a targeted reinforcement for their attack. Sporting director Sebastian Pelzer had previously announced a new striker. The league leaders are acquiring an experienced Swiss international who knows the Swiss league very well and has proven his goal threat in the past. The loan with an option to buy gives both sides the chance to evaluate the cooperation until the end of the season before making a permanent decision. The direct clash between the two clubs is already scheduled for this coming Sunday.
How did FC Basel react to the departure?
Valentin Stocker also emphasized the emotional aspect of the transfer in his statement. "It goes without saying that it is never a nice moment for us when a homegrown player leaves us," said the sporting leader. Ajeti is not the only recent departure, as Andrin Hunziker also recently left the club. Ajeti's transfer was completed within the Swiss national transfer window, which was open until the following Tuesday. The current squad composition can be tracked on our squad overview.
The team under Stephan Lichtsteiner must now navigate the remaining weeks until the winter break without Ajeti. The next challenge is the home match against St. Gallen on September 20, 2026. The current league table situation and detailed Super League statistics are available on our standings page.
