Basel's Swiss Bank Withdraw

The transfer window opened and turned into a mass frenzy full of hate and anger very much like the chaps at AFTV (Arsenal Fan Tv) do after a Arsenal loss ! Basel as promised by the new manager Ben Clifford spent what was on offer. It was widely reported the clubs transfer kitty was in good order with the chairman wanting to build a side that could withstand the fight a very difficult looking division 3 promises to bring.

It proved to be a deadline day in many aspects for FC Basel, reports indicating that almost all of the chairman's original investment has been spent. With little to no more being invested until Clifford has repaid some of it back with results on the pitch. Basel who are also restricted on signing world class players due to budget and wage caps, have had to move fast for targets and now appear to have to in division 3 with what they've got.

Seven (7) new faces arrived only 48 hours after Clifford himself had finished signing on the dotted line. With only one out going it can be said Clifford hasn't delivered his promise on his complete overturn in playing staff. Clifford was reported later saying that players would all received a fair crack of the whip under his leadership and that Rome was not built in a day.

" I fell the mixture in youth potential and established internationals together was the best way to go forward, as a club Basel have to be selective in how we go about our business. We (me and the chairman) need to be careful and smart in who we buy, we have a wage structure here that we can not afford to let get out of hand. Our long term goals and ambitions of reaching Division 1 and being a force in the NWO depend on our tactical buy's. Think Money Ball.

Those 7 new faces previously mentioned Included Iheanacho, Santos, Zuniga, Borini, Schar, Moya and Elneny.

Fact File Iheanacho:

Date of birth: 3 October 1996 (age 21)

Place of Birth: Nigeria

Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)

Playing position: Forward

Cost: 15.9m

"Once we knew of Iheanacho's availability it was a no brainer. Young, quick and agile I felt he could bring a different attacking style to our football that we didn't yet have at the club we had to offer the lad first team football which he will receive here at Basel"

"His age certainly plays into my long term aims for this club and while we always look for a cheaper option we just couldn't turn this chance down, other clubs were interested but just couldn't match the price we offered to Leicester. Iheanacho is the clubs record signing at almost 16million euros but we as well as does himself that the fee will be repaid with time"

Fact File Elneny:

Date of birth: 11 July 1992 (age 25)

Place of birth: El-Mahalla ElKubra, Egypt

Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)

Playing position: Defensive midfielder

Cost: 9m

"Elneny was one of those transfers away from Basel that I thought was hard on the club but good for the player. When Arsenal come calling its hard to say no. Yet similar to Iheanacho once we learnt of his availability again we had to move"

"Having played for Basel in the not too distant past we didn't have to fight as many suitors off, it was a case of agreeing a fee with the more then reasonable Arsenal Manager. Personal terms was just a case of him understanding what I was brining to Basel and what I wanted to change compared to what he experienced from playing for us a few years ago"

So that just about rounds up the latest news at Basel who will now go into a series of friendly games before the real test begins away from home to FC RB Salzburg.