David Degen backs Yann Sommer as FC Basel's next goalkeeper star
FC Basel legend David Degen has shared his thoughts on who should replace goalkeeper Yannick Hitz. Speaking on the club's official podcast, he named Inter Milan's Yann Sommer as his top choice. Degen, who once played alongside Sommer, remains open to how the situation unfolds.
Degen's preference for Sommer comes from their past partnership. The Swiss international left Basel years ago but has since built an impressive career. After stints at Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayern Munich, he joined Inter Milan in August 2023.
Since then, Sommer has won the 2023 Supercoppa Italiana and the 2023-24 Serie A title. His 19 clean sheets in 34 league matches earned him a spot in the Serie A Team of the Year. This season, he helped Inter reach the 2025 Champions League final, delivering a standout performance in the semi-final against Barcelona on May 6.
While Degen acknowledged Jonas Omlin as another option, he made it clear Sommer would be his first pick. The distance between Basel and Milan—around 300 to 350 kilometres—doesn't seem to be a concern. Instead, Degen emphasised Sommer's quality and experience as key factors in his recommendation.
The decision on Hitz's successor now rests with FC Basel's management. Degen's comments highlight Sommer's achievements, including recent trophies and Champions League success. For now, the club will weigh its options before making a final choice.
