Andy Schmid becomes a Lion

The Swiss national team’s playmaker Andy Schmid will be joining the German top team Rhein Neckar Löwen from the start of next season. Schmid is transferring to the German Champions League team from current number one in the Danish league Bjerringbro-Silkeborg, whom he joined last summer from Swiss champions Amicitia Zürich.

"All the time it has been my goal to play in the Bundesliga. Ever since I was a kid, I have been dreaming of playing at the highest possible level, and I find it cool to get the chance now," the 1,90 m tall backcourt player said.

Rhein-Neckar Löwen coach Ola Lindgren is looking forward to getting Schmid in his squad: "He is a fast, dynamic player, technically skilled and a fine shooter – and also very good at leading the play," Lindgren said about his coming playmaker.

Bjerringbro happy and annoyed

In Denmark, the feelings in Bjerringbro-Silkeborg are mixed. Being number one in the Danish league, the club hopes to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in history. Now losing Andy Schmid after only one year may become a serious handicap.

"It is big pat on the back for everyone in Bjerringbro-Silkeborg, that we have succeeded once again in developing a player, who is attractive to a European top team. Obviously I would like to have kept a player like Andy, but this is a great chance for him, and I wish him all the best. He is a great guy, on as well as off the court." Bjerringbro-Silkeborg’s head coach Carsten Albrektsen said.

The parties involved in the transfer have agreed not to announce the transfer fee. It has not yet been announced who is going to succeed Andy Schmid as first-choice playmaker in Bjerringbro-Silkeborg.