Zuberbühler bids Basel goodbye
Friday, July 14, 2006
Article summary
After a series of superb displays at the FIFA World Cup, Switzerland No1 Pascal Zuberbühler has swapped the UEFA Cup for England's first division.
Article body
Summer form
Zuberbühler, first choice at Basel for the past five seasons, kept a clean sheet in all four of his country's games at the FIFA World Cup, as the Swiss became the first team in history to be eliminated from the tournament without conceding a goal. The move will increase speculation that West Brom are to part with Poland goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak, the 24-year-old who has attracted attention from Premiership sides. WBA have also refused a transfer request from 27-year-old Hungary playmaker Zoltán Gera.
Replacement
Basel were 3-1 home winners against FC Tobol Kostanay of Kazakhstan in last night's UEFA Cup first qualifying round first-leg tie, with Liberian shot-stopper Louis Crayton keeping goal. Crayton will have competition, however, as Basel have landed 25-year-old Argentina custodian Franco Costanzo from CD Alavés. Costanzo only moved to Spain from CA River Plate last season.
