Swiss title winner Thun sells top prospect to Genoa before Champions League qualifiers
GENOA: Surprise Swiss champion Thun already saw their coach leave for Germany and on Wednesday sold their top prospect to Genoa ahead of playing in Champions League qualifying rounds. Genoa said they signed Switzerland Under-21 midfielder Ethan Meichtry to a multi-year contract. Neither the Serie A club nor Thun revealed the transfer fee which was reportedly an initial 4 million euros ($4.6 million). Thun said in a statement the deal was confirmation of their philosophy to develop young talent. Meichtry, who turns 21 next week, scored eight goals in the Swiss league last season as newly promoted Thun shockingly eased to their first title in the club’s 128-year history. Coach Mauro Lustrinelli then left to join Union Berlin in the Bundesliga, and was replaced by Gian-Luca Privitelli, who previously coached Meichtry in the Swiss Under-20 team. Thun start in the Champions League second qualifying round against Dinamo Zagreb on July 21 or 22.
