Key facts
- Swiss champion Thun sold top prospect Ethan Meichtry to Genoa.
- Meichtry, a Switzerland Under-21 midfielder, signed a multi-year contract.
- The reported transfer fee was an initial 4 million euros ($4.6 million).
- Meichtry scored eight goals in the Swiss league last season.
- Thun will participate in the Champions League second qualifying round.
Surprise Swiss champion Thun has sold its top prospect, Switzerland Under-21 midfielder Ethan Meichtry, to Italian club Genoa on a multi-year contract. The transfer fee was reportedly an initial 4 million euros ($4.6 million).
Meichtry, who turns 21 next week, scored eight goals in the Swiss league last season as newly promoted Thun secured its first title in the club’s 128-year history. The club's philosophy of developing young talent was cited as a reason for the deal.
This sale follows the departure of coach Mauro Lustrinelli to Union Berlin. Gian-Luca Privitelli, who previously coached Meichtry in the Swiss Under-20 team, has replaced Lustrinelli.
Thun is set to begin its Champions League qualifying campaign in the second round against Dinamo Zagreb on July 21 or 22. The club faces challenges common to unheralded teams that qualify for major tournaments, often struggling to retain key personnel.