FC Chur secure Aleksandro Duro in club-record transfer agreement

Swiss U20 international will join FC Chur on a long-term contract until 2042, remaining with FC Lugano on loan until summer 2040

FC Chur are pleased to announce the signing of highly rated Swiss defender Aleksandro Duro from FC Lugano for a club-record transfer fee of €1.4 million. The 18-year-old has agreed a long-term contract running until June 2042 and will remain with Lugano in the Swiss Challenge League for the remainder of the 2039/40 season as part of his continued development pathway.

The transfer represents the largest investment in FC Chur’s history, surpassing the previous record €800,000 acquisition of Alberto Arroyo, and underlines the club’s commitment to identifying elite young talent aligned with its long-term sporting model.

Born in Lugano, Duro is regarded as one of the most promising defensive prospects in Swiss football. Primarily a right full-back, he also offers tactical versatility with the ability to operate as a central defender or on the right side of midfield. Standing at 5’11” and known for his competitive mentality and tactical intelligence, his profile was identified through the club’s data-driven recruitment process as a player capable of becoming an important part of FC Chur’s future first-team structure. A Swiss U20 international, Duro has already gained valuable senior experience this season, making 19 appearances in the Challenge League and contributing one goal. His multicultural background and linguistic versatility – speaking Italian, French and Albanian fluently while continuing to develop German and English – also reflects the modern, international profile FC Chur continues to build within its squad.

Duro completed his medical successfully at the club’s AlpenPark Medical Centre earlier this week and is represented by agent Albert Panchaud.

Sporting Director Mikel Martija said: “Aleksandro represents exactly the type of player we want to bring to FC Chur. He combines high-level defensive potential with the mentality and professionalism we believe are essential to succeed in our environment. Our recruitment process identified him early as a player with the capacity to develop into a top-level defender, and we are very confident in the pathway we can provide him. This is an important strategic investment for the future of the club. We are building a squad with patience and intelligence, and Aleksandro is a player we believe can become an important figure in FC Chur’s long-term sporting project.”

Head Coach Iñaki Arriola added: “Aleksandro fits very naturally into the defensive profile we value. He is disciplined, tactically responsible, aggressive in his defensive work and shows strong collective instincts – qualities that are fundamental in our way of playing – as well as the potential to be a progressive, ball carrying option. What impressed us most was his maturity and his desire to improve. He understands that development is a process and he has chosen a path that allows him to grow step by step. We are looking forward to welcoming him fully into our environment next summer.”

Aleksandro Duro said: “I am very proud and grateful to FC Chur for the trust they have shown in me. When I spoke with the club, I immediately felt the seriousness of the project and how much they believe in developing young players the right way. My focus now remains on finishing the season strongly with Lugano, continuing to work hard every day and improving every aspect of my game so I am ready for the next step in July. This is a very emotional moment for me and my family. I know this is just the beginning and I am determined to justify the confidence the club has placed in me.”

Duro will officially join FC Chur on July 1st 2040 ahead of the club’s pre-season preparations and is expected to be presented to supporters following his arrival.

FC Chur is committed to a sustainable, data-informed sporting strategy focused on intelligent recruitment, structured player development and the creation of clear pathways for high-potential talent to progress into the first team.