FC Basel have failed to sign Chris Bedia after intense negotiations - the 30-year-old striker has moved to Dubai. League standing: 4th in Super League, 0 pts. The club has instead secured Zan Celar as their new forward for the upcoming season.
What happened at FC Basel?
FC Basel held months-long talks with Chris Bedia, who scored 17 league goals for YB last season. On 22 July 2026, the club came close to a deal, according to new sporting director Andreas Herrmann. But financial terms and structural conditions didn’t align. Bedia signed for Al-Nasr in Dubai instead - an offer David Degen, the club’s chairman, said was significantly higher than anything Basel could match.
Why FC Basel turned to Celar
The club acted fast, signing Zan Celar from Lugano, who netted 14 goals last season. The 28-year-old inked a three-year deal and is expected to bolster Basel’s attack. Herrmann told the club’s Achzähdreyenünnzig podcast that Basel was ready to table «a very, very high sum» - but in the end, Bedia chose Dubai.
Reactions from the club’s inner circle
Degen showed understanding for Bedia’s choice: «It’s his last big contract, so money matters.» He stressed that Basel wouldn’t compromise financially to the point of overburdening the club. For fans, the question remains: Could Bedia have been the missing piece up front?
What’s next for FC Basel?
With Celar now in the squad, Basel kick off their new Super League season. The first matches are coming, and fans are hoping for a strong offensive start. Goals this season: 0 scored, 0 conceded (0 goal difference). Whether Celar can make the difference remains to be seen - the pressure on the new striker is high.
