Dereck Kutesa has chosen to let his contract with Servette FC run until summer 2025, motivated by a desire for new experiences rather than financial incentives. Despite a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, he remains committed to his current club, where he has excelled this season, scoring nine goals in fourteen matches. Kutesa’s impressive performance has earned him recognition as one of the league’s best, and he aims to further develop under national coach Murat Yakin, while staying focused on his ambitions.
Dereck Kutesa’s Contract Decision and Future Aspirations
In August, Dereck Kutesa made it clear to Servette FC that he intends to let his contract run until the summer of 2025 without pursuing an extension. His choice stems from a desire for new adventures rather than financial gain, club prospects, or the allure of the city. As Kutesa approaches his 27th birthday in December, it’s understandable that he seeks experiences beyond Yverdon, Sion, and the remnants of the Grasshopper Club.
During the summer, Servette contemplated selling Kutesa, receiving a substantial offer from Saudi Arabia valued at two million dollars, which would have significantly increased his salary. Servette typically doesn’t see such large transfer sums, but the actual profit would have been much lower after various deductions, leading to the rejection of this offer, along with a late bid of 1.2 million francs for striker Enzo Crivelli.
Faith in the Team and Kutesa’s Stellar Performance
The decision to keep Kutesa and other offensive players was a vote of confidence from sports director René Weiler, signaling his belief in their potential, including aspirations for the title. After an early exit from European competitions and the cup, Servette is focusing solely on domestic success, unlike their competitors from Bern and Lugano, who juggle multiple challenges this season.
Sports director Weiler has labeled Kutesa as “the best player in the league,” and it’s hard to argue against this claim. The winger is currently enjoying a remarkable season, having scored nine goals in just fourteen matches. His explosive performances have even led the club’s TikTok account to showcase a playful montage of Kutesa winning the Ballon d’Or, illustrating the high regard in which he is held.
Kutesa’s journey began in Les Avanchets as the youngest of five siblings. His parents, who fled Angola due to conflict, worked tirelessly in various jobs to provide a better life for their family. Kutesa reflects, “My parents sacrificed a lot to give us children a better life.” Although he turned down offers from top foreign clubs during his teenage years, he eventually moved to Basel at 19, leaving behind a promising commercial training program during a challenging time for Servette, which was then in the third-tier Promotion League.
At Basel, Kutesa faced stiff competition for his position, which led to loan spells where he struggled to find playing time. It wasn’t until he joined St. Gallen that he began to rediscover his form under the guidance of coach Peter Zeidler, who encouraged him to play freely and without fear of making mistakes. This support proved pivotal in Kutesa’s development and confidence.
After a successful season at St. Gallen, Kutesa transferred to Reims for just under two million francs. Following three years in Ligue 1, he returned to Geneva in the summer of 2022, determined to showcase his potential consistently. His recent improvements in converting dazzling dribbles into goals can be attributed to extra training focused on explosiveness and speed.
At Servette, Kutesa thrives with the freedom to play like a striker while minimizing defensive responsibilities. His remarkable speed and talent give him an edge, especially as the overall quality of the Super League has remained stagnant in recent years. However, to achieve international recognition, Kutesa must refine his off-the-ball movement, and the national team provides the perfect platform for this development.
National coach Murat Yakin has called up Kutesa for the first time since his debut, ahead of matches against Serbia and Spain in the Nations League. Fans are eager to see if he can replicate his club form on the international stage and possibly crown his expected farewell season in Geneva with a championship title. Despite recent setbacks with three winless matches, Kutesa remains optimistic, stating, “We have the quality to become champions.”
As the winter transfer window approaches, discussions about Kutesa’s future will likely reignite, potentially with even more enticing opportunities for the league’s top scorer. He recognizes the club’s position, expressing understanding towards their decision to keep him, as Servette is an ambitious organization. Kutesa is focused on his current performance, drawing motivation from becoming a father for the first time last summer and determined to continue his journey of improvement.