Zurich’s storm problem is paradoxical: FCZ has a top scorer in the U21 – but he is not allowed to play

Since the Dane’s departure a few weeks ago, Calixte Junior Ligue (18) has played three starting team matches. As in the previous matches, the talent was unlucky in the cup against Winti, but did not receive useful passes from the other attacking forces. His striker colleagues Daniel Afriyie (22, two Super League goals) and Jonathan Santini (three Cup goals) are hardly alternatives and are often left out of consideration under the new coaching duo Ural/Romano. So the question arises: who should score the goals in this FCZ?

Clipper Bajrami

The answer may be more obvious than you think. Labinot Bajrami (18) is currently hitting the mark in FC Zurich’s U21 team. On the same day that FCZ lost to Winterthur, the striker shot down SC Brühl in the Legaue promotion with three goals (3:2). The U19 national team player, who also captained the Swiss national team, has already scored 16 goals in 17 games. Of course it is “only” the third highest department in Switzerland. Nevertheless, the 18-year-old’s achievements are remarkable.

Why doesn’t Bajrami get a chance with the professionals (yet)? Especially because the FCZ wants to continuously integrate talent into the first team with the new philosophy. In addition to Junior Ligue, Cheveyo Tsawa was recently allowed to play, who was even in the starting line-up in Lugano due to the absence of Conde (suspended) and Krasniqi (injured).

The peak must be retained

The answer: those involved are currently negotiating a new contract. Bajrami’s current contract expires in the summer of 2025. According to information from Blick, negotiations are at a standstill, which is not conducive to the striker’s possible integration into the first team. One thing is clear: the players mainly demand playing time on the professional field, so that Bajrami can develop further. If he doesn’t get this, other clubs could also become interesting.

Special: Until a few years ago, Bajrami was under contract with the former agency of current sports director Malenovic. The U19 national team player subsequently changed advisors several times and is now with an international agency that also manages top stars from the Premier League. He also receives advice from family members.

If the two parties do not come together quickly, the FCZ risks losing the only striker who currently scores regularly. When asked whether Bajrami should not be a problem for the professional team because of his scoring values, assistant coach Umberto Romano said after the cup match against Winti: “Whether it is Ligue or Bajrami. It doesn’t matter who scores the goals. The most important thing is that they fall.” But they’re not really doing that right now.