It was meant to be a big money move. A reward for over 100 goals scored in Switzerland- 56 goals scored in the fourth tier- 20 in the third tier, 27 in the second tier, two in the top tier along with a dozen in the Swiss Cup.
Saleh Chihadeh signed with Future FC in the winter transfer window on a big money move that saw him leave FC Thun as they were pushing for a return to the Swiss Super League. Now, less than six months later, he’s back in Switzerland.
It seemed a good move for all parties- Saleh Chihadeh got paid, FC Future got a proven goalscorer with European pedigree, and Thun got to cash in on a talented player that didn’t quite fit with their strategy of stockpiling players under 23 years of age.
That dream move turned into disaster very quickly. Chihadeh was awarded one start (which lasted for 45 minutes), a two substitute appearances before being banished from the squad. Ali Maher. Future FC’s manager, deemed him not to be up to standard and went back to the board begging for another striker to be brought in.
There was just one problem. Saleh Chihadeh had signed a three and a half year contract upon his arrival in Cairo. With no out clause, both parties were in complete stasis.
It was Chihadeh who asked for a return to FC Naters. The club has also stated that the player has become an amateur player once again in order to facilitate the move. This explains why a striker in the prime of his career and coming off of his best performances for the national team has returned to the Swiss Fourth Division. Presumably, Chihadeh wants to get paid out of his contract with Future FC or at the very least reach a negotiated settlement. The club would prefer if the striker would walk away in return for his freedom to play anywhere else.
The only way Saleh Chihadeh could guarantee playing time ahead of the 2023 Asian Cup Finals next year without surrendering the salary owed to him was to return to where it all began.
