Two months ago, Andi Zeqiri revealed he doesn’t want to return to Brighton & Hove Albion and remains hopeful of sealing a permanent move to FC Basel.
Last summer, the Seagulls let the striker join the Swiss club on a loan deal with an option to buy. He has impressed for them this season, scoring 16 goals and registering two assists from 44 games.
Basel face Fiorentina in the UEFA Conference League semi-final tie on Thursday. Ahead of the clash between the two sides, Firenzeviola.it interviewed the Brighton owned player’s agent, Michel Urscheler.
The 23-year-old’s representative has now revealed Basel’s buying option will automatically be converted into an obligation if certain set conditions are met.
“I start by saying that I have excellent relations with Brighton, but all the clubs Andi has been to have always told me that he is a serious boy and that he is welcome,” he said.
“I have met very few guys with his determination, mentality and discipline in 23 years, perhaps only Ivan Rakitic, with whom I worked for five years.
“Zeqiri is happy and is only thinking about the present and doing well. Basel have a right to buy which can be exercised before the last match of the season.
“Occasionally he was placed on the bench, but for non-sporting reasons related to the contract: a certain number of appearances triggers the obligation to buy out. In any case, I would not like to delve into this matter.”
The Switzerland international’s contract at Brighton lasts until 2024. His form for Basel this season has already attracted interest from other clubs. The agent states that the doors to join another side could open if Basel decide not to retain him.
“Going back to Brighton, I would like to add that we meet every 10 days with the English team. Basel would like to redeem him, but there is an economic reality behind it. If we look at the statistics it is logical that they would like to keep him, but they have to see if they are able to,” Urscheler explained.
“Eventually we could talk to other teams if he is not redeemed, but only at the end of the season.
“He has only one year on his contract at Brighton, but he has to play next season because then there will be the European Championships in Germany and with Seferovic not being called up and other Swiss forwards no longer playing, Zeqiri represents the future of the national team.
“Switzerland had called him up, then unfortunately he got hurt a few days earlier against Young Boys. There are several teams that have already contacted me to buy him.”
When asked if he has been interest from Serie A sides, Urscheler said: “Andi played in the Juventus youth team, he likes Italy and Serie A.
“Clearly there are also Italian teams interested in him, but at the moment we are waiting for a decision from Basel, which is the priority. After the matches against Fiorentina, at the end of May, we’ll talk about the redemption.”
