Frei return boosts Basel
Sunday, July 19, 2009
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FC Basel 1893 have tempted Switzerland's record goalscorer Alexander Frei back to his homeland after recruiting the BV Borussia Dortmund striker on a three-year contract for a €4m fee.
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FC Basel 1893 have tempted Switzerland's record goalscorer Alexander Frei back to his homeland after completing a €4m deal for the BV Borussia Dortmund striker.
Three-year deal
Basel unveiled the 30-year-old on Sunday, Frei returning to St. Jakob-Park on a three-year contract, with an option for a further season, eleven years after leaving his hometown club. He went on to play for FC Luzern, Servette FC, French club Stade Rennais FC and BV Borussia Dortmund.
Record tally
Signed by the German side in summer 2006, Frei scored 34 league goals in 74 Bundesliga games for Dortmund – who have promised fans they will reinvest all the money received from the sale on new players. Frei captained Switzerland on home soil at UEFA EURO 2008™ and has struck 39 goals in 67 appearances for the Nati.
European challenge
Basel, who were looking for a new forward after selling Eren Derdiyok to Bayer 04 Leverkusen, should reach the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round on Thursday after defeating FC Santa Coloma 3-0 in the first leg of their tie last week.