Earlier today, the SCL Tigers announced that Aleksi Saarela is no longer part of them. The Finnish Ministry of Defense has summoned the 28-year-old for his compulsory military service. As this means he will be on duty for six months starting July 7, a mutual contract termination has been agreed upon by club and player. Saarela would have been part of them until 2027 otherwise.
"Of course, this is an extremely unfortunate situation for both us and Aleksi", the Tigers' team manager, Pascal Müller, states. "He was a key member of our team. However, under these circumstances, terminating his contract is the fairest solution for both sides. We sincerely thank Aleksi for his commitment over the past years and wish him all the best for the future."
Saarela joined Langnau in 2021. Throughout his time in the National League, the forward suited up 192 times, recording 73 goals and 68 assists.