Both Romand clubs enter the campaign seeking stability and improved performances after challenging previous seasons, with management shifts and squad adjustments defining their respective approaches to the new year. Because neither club is playing in Europe, both will be able to focus entirely on the championship.
Servette FC Seeks Continuity Against Basel
Despite the positive finish last year, the squad faces immediate challenges. The club will be without winger Junior Kadile and new goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmonas for the opener, as both are currently recovering from injuries sustained during the preseason. On the transfer front, midfielder Timothé Cognat, who had previously expressed a public desire for a departure, remains with the team. The squad also features new recruit Pedro Naressi, who joined the club as part of their summer transfer activity. Additionally, Bradley Mazikou, who arrived in Geneva in the summer of 2023, continues to serve as a fixture at left-back. The 28-year-old Franco-Congolese player previously played for CSKA Sofia—where he won the national cup—and Aris Salonique before his move to Geneva.
Lausanne-Sport Transitions
At the Stade de la Tuilière, Lausanne-Sport enters the season aiming for a balance between continuity and renewal. The club has experienced a less turbulent summer compared to others, as no new players have arrived at the club so far, aside from players returning from loan spells. Among these returnees is goalkeeper Melvin Mastil, who was selected to represent Algeria at the World Cup and is slated to be the starter against Grasshopper Club Zürich this Saturday. With the arrival of Luka Elsner on the bench, the Vaudois hope to regain the dynamic that previously allowed them to achieve a significant European run in the Conference League.
League Outlook and Structural Shifts
While Servette and Lausanne focus on their respective domestic campaigns, the league remains unpredictable. Grasshopper Club Zürich faces a difficult outlook; after being saved by the playoffs on three occasions, the club—having undergone a change in ownership and the dismissal of sporting director Alain Sutter—is projected to face relegation to the Challenge League. This season is expected to mark the end of the career of GC player Amir Abrashi.
FC Basel has been particularly active, announcing the signing of 24-year-old attacker Ibrahim Salah from Stade Rennais on a four-year contract. The club also secured defender Flavius Daniliuc (24) from Salernitana on a contract through 2028 with an option for 2029, and brought in 19-year-old Swedish winger Jeremy Agbonifo on loan from RC Lens. Conversely, 21-year-old German attacker Anton Kade has departed the club to join FC Augsburg until 2029.
The opening weekend features a full slate of action:
The reigning champion, FC Thun, begins its title defense with a trip to Lucerne. As clubs showcase their new kits—including FC Lugano’s updated design featuring their historic white V
and FC St. Gallen’s regional-themed shirt featuring the crests of 180 East Swiss municipalities—the opening matches serve as the first test for squads navigating the 2026/27 campaign.
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