Whilst it hasn’t received the widespread media attention that it may do, the sale of Iker Huerteto Grenoble for a fee of €150k – apparently due to a rebellion about contract demands inside the last twelve months of his deal – has caused a bit of a shockwave at Chur. With Fabrizio Cavegn departing in the summer, they had been left without a senior striker in their ranks.

Yesterday, they announced their first signing – Daniel Haas from Sion on loan with an option to buy. Here is a roundup of all the media around it:

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Press Conference:

FC Chur are delighted to announce the signing of striker Daniel Haas, who joins the club on loan from FC Sion for the remainder of the season. The agreement includes an option to make the move permanent for a fee of €100,000 at the end of the campaign.

Haas, 25, was born in Winterthur and has spent his entire professional career with Sion. Over the past two Super League seasons, he has made 53 appearances in Switzerland’s top flight, gaining valuable experience at the highest domestic level and contributing two goals during that period.

A hardworking and physically robust forward, Haas adds depth, competition and Super League know‑how to the Chur attacking unit as the club looks to build momentum through the second half of the season. Speaking on the signing, the club expressed its enthusiasm at securing the striker’s services and looks forward to integrating him quickly into the squad.

Everyone at FC Chur would like to welcome Daniel Haas to the club and wishes him every success in black and gold.

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Interview with Inaki Arriola:

Following the confirmation of Daniel Haas’ arrival on loan from Sion, FC Chur head coach Inaki Arriola sat down to explain the thinking behind the move and what it means for the squad going forward.

Q: Inaki, Daniel Haas is now confirmed as a Chur player. Why was this the right moment to bring him in?

A: First and foremost, we needed a replacement for Iker Huerte. That was clear. Losing Iker leaves not just a gap in numbers, but in reference points for how we want to play at the top of the pitch. Daniel gives us that immediately.

Q: Some will look at the raw numbers – six goals over the last two seasons – and question the signing. How do you respond to that?

A: We understand that reaction, but those are not the statistics we are led by in this case. We are not signing Daniel purely for goals on a spreadsheet. We are signing a profile. A striker who understands Super League football, who has played at that level consistently, and who fits what we ask of our forwards in terms of work, positioning and mentality.

Q: So this is more about profile than output?

A: Exactly. Daniel has been on our radar for a couple of years. He showed a lot of promise earlier in his career, and at times that progress stalled. That happens. Our belief is that the quality is still there, and that in a different environment, with trust and responsibility, we can help re‑ignite that.

Q: What does he bring to the dressing room beyond what happens on the pitch?

A: Character. That’s very important for us. He’s been in competitive squads, he understands pressure, and he brings a strong, professional mentality. For a group like ours, that matters just as much as goals or assists.

Q: You’ve been open about the club’s financial reality. How much did that shape this deal?

A: It shapes everything. We are very honest about where we are. We cannot attract the same calibre of player as Basel or Young Boys right now, and pretending otherwise would be foolish. A loan with an option to buy allows us to be competitive while managing risk.

Q: Some supporters will remember that a similar loan‑to‑buy with Leandro Carvalho didn’t work last season. Was there hesitation because of that?

A: Of course you reflect on those experiences. Leandro didn’t work out, and we accept that. But that doesn’t mean the model is wrong. It’s still lower risk for us, and in this case we feel the fit – tactically and mentally – is stronger.

Q: How does Haas’ arrival affect the rest of the attacking group, particularly Cedric Mivelaz?

A: It opens possibilities. Cedric can now play second fiddle to Daniel, learn from him, and develop without carrying the full weight of the position. That competition is healthy, and it raises the level of both players.

Q: Finally, does this signing signal the end of your business this window?

A: No. We are working on more signings as we speak. This is an important step, but not the last one. The squad is still evolving, and we want to make sure we give ourselves every chance for the rest of the season.

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Social Media reactions:

“6 goals in 2 seasons. SIX. What are we doing here? Sack the recruitment team and start again.”
#FCChur #RecruitmentWatch

 “Loan with option. Low risk. Super League experience. This is actually… sensible? I don’t trust it.”
#Chur1913 

 “Haas isn’t about goals, he’s about profile. Pressing, link-up, occupying centre-backs. If you’re only counting goals you’re missing the point.”
#TacticalTwitter #ArriolaBall #SwissFootball

 “From Sion bench to Chur saviour. Football heritage ✨”
#FCChur #FootballHeritage #NewSigning #Haas9

 “Everyone laughing now but watch Haas unlock Iriondo and make us look clever by April.”
#ChurTwitter #SuperLeague

 “We’re shopping where we can afford. People comparing this to Basel signings need a reality check.”
#SwissFootball #BudgetBall #FCChur

 “This has ‘reignite a stalled career’ written all over it. Either genius or absolute disaster. No in between.”
#Chur1913

 “Cedric Mivelaz learning off a Super League striker? That’s actually a good pathway.”
#FCChur #Development

 “Didn’t work with Carvalho last year. Didn’t work the year before. But sure, let’s try again 👍”
#TransferTrauma #ChurTwitter

 “Arriola clearly wants a reference point up top. Haas as the deep 9, runners around him. I can see it.”
#TacticalIdeas #ArriolaBall #SquadBalance #FCChur