Basel's gamble on QPR striker Zan Celar after Swiss stint

Queens Park Rangers striker Zan Celar has completed a move to Basel for an undisclosed fee, ending his two‑season spell at the Hoops. The 27‑year‑old forward made 23 appearances for QPR, scoring twice, before the transfer was confirmed.

Basel targeted Celar after his earlier stint in the Swiss Super League with Lugano, where he finished as the league’s top scorer 24 months ago. His three caps for Slovenia at the European Championship in Germany further demonstrated his experience on the continental stage.

At QPR, Celar contributed a key win at Cardiff, netting one of his two goals before a hamstring injury curtailed his season. He also spent the previous campaign on loan at 2. Bundesliga side Fortuna Dusseldorf, gaining German football exposure.

QPR CEO Christian Nourry explained the club’s perspective, stating, "Zan had a challenging start to English football, working hard to acclimatise to the league. Last season, he was keen to have a platform in Germany to play his football but unfortunately that did not translate into minutes on the pitch. He moves to a renowned Swiss club and returns to a league where he finished up as top scorer 24 months ago."

For Basel, signing Celar adds a forward with proven goal‑scoring pedigree and recent international experience, bolstering their attacking options in the Swiss Super League. The club hopes his familiarity with Swiss football will translate into immediate impact.

For Celar, the move offers a fresh start in a league where he previously thrived, providing a platform to rebuild form after injury and limited minutes in England and Germany. The undisclosed fee concludes his QPR chapter and opens a new chapter in Switzerland, as highlighted by the accompanying Getty Images and Images] coverage.