Chur can confirm that Mario Silva has joined Bologna FC 1909 for a club-record transfer fee, surpassing the previous benchmark set by the sale of Marvin Hodler to SS Lazio.

The agreement sees Bologna pay an initial €1.5 million, with a further €2 million due in structured instalments and up to €800,000 in performance-related bonuses. As part of the arrangement, Silva will immediately return to Chur on loan for the remainder of the current season.

Silva, 20, has been part of the Chur family since the age of nine, progressing through the academy before establishing himself in the first team over the past four years. A left-footed winger renowned for his direct running and composure in decisive moments, he has made 89 senior appearances, scoring 25 goals and providing nine assists.

He made his professional debut against Meyrin in 2033 and announced himself on the national stage a year later with his first senior goal against Basel. Silva was a central figure in Chur’s promotion from the Challenge League in 2035 and was voted Supporters’ Player of the Season for 2036/37 – recognition of both his performances and his deep connection to the club.

Head coach Iñaki Arriola said:

“Mario’s development is a reflection of what this club stands for. We are proud that one of our own has earned a move to a league of this level. I will be honest – we were disappointed that Bologna first expressed interest six months ago and that there were public statements during that period which disrupted his performances. However, we are grateful that they have now reached an agreement that includes a loan back for the remainder of this season. That allows Mario to finish this chapter properly, with focus and unity.”

Silva joins a Bologna side currently 16th in Serie A with 20 points from 22 matches, managed by Spaniard Manolo González. The move represents a significant step in his career and underlines the growing reputation of Chur’s academy pathway.

Speaking following confirmation of the transfer, Silva said:

“Growing up in Graubünden, Chur was everything to me. I learned what it means to represent this region, this city and these supporters. To come through the academy, to share a dressing room with players like Zidan Tairi, and to play for my boyhood club at the pinnacle of Swiss football is something I will carry with me forever. I am incredibly grateful – to my coaches, my teammates, and especially the fans. You supported me from my debut against Meyrin to promotion and beyond. This isn’t goodbye, because I still have months here to give everything. I want to finish this season strongly and leave in the right way.”

Chur thanks Mario for his extraordinary contribution across more than a decade at the club and looks forward to supporting him through the remainder of the season before he embarks on the next chapter of his career in Italy.