Charles Pickel: Sharjah FC sign Cremonese midfielder in permanent transfer

Sharjah FC have completed the signing of defensive midfielder Charles Pickel from Italian side Cremonese in a permanent transfer on 6 July 2026. The 29-year-old moves to the UAE Pro League with a current market value of 2.5m, though the fee between the clubs has not been disclosed.

Pickel joins Sharjah after spending the 2025-26 season on loan at RCD Espanyol from Cremonese. The DR Congo and Switzerland national, born in Solothurn in 1997, returned to the Serie B club at the end of that loan on 30 June 2026 before finalising his move to the United Arab Emirates. He is primarily a defensive midfielder, stands at 1.87m and favours his right foot.

The transfer ends a four-year spell on the books of Cremonese, who signed him from Portuguese side Famalicao in July 2022. During his time in Italy his market value peaked at 3.8m in 2022 and remained above 2.4m across subsequent seasons, underlining his status as an established senior midfielder before the switch to the Gulf.

Before moving to Serie B, Pickel built his reputation in Portugals top flight with Famalicao, having previously played in France for Grenoble Foot 38. Earlier in his career he came through the Swiss system, progressing from FC Solothurns youth ranks into FC Basels academy and later representing Grasshopper Club Zurich and Neuchatel Xamax, including several loan spells.

Pickels move to Sharjah FC adds a seasoned, internationally experienced holding midfielder to the UAE Pro League clubs squad.