The latest news on FSV Mainz 05 focuses on their summer transfer moves, squad changes, and the start of the Bundesliga 2025/26 season.[1]
After a busy offseason led by CEO Christian Heidel and sporting director Nico Bungert, Mainz prepared for the expected departure of striker Jonathan Burkardt by signing Benedict Hollerbach from Union Berlin and two young defenders, Kasey Bos and Konstantin Schopp. The club also secured a well-negotiated loan deal for Japanese midfield talent Sota Kawasaki. French striker Ludovic Ajorque left for his native country, while Edimilson Fernandes was sold to Young Boys Bern. Midfielders Tom Krauß (loan), Hyun-Seok Hong (loan to Nantes), and Marco Richter (loan to SV Darmstadt 98) also departed.[1]
As Bundesliga action kicks off, FSV Mainz 05 begins the season in 12th place, with their first league game against 1.FC Köln at the MEWA Arena on August 24, 2025.[2] Both teams start the campaign with 0 points, and a double chance prediction favors either a Mainz win or draw.[2]
Recent matches show Mainz’s solid preseason form: they beat Dynamo Dresden 1-0 in the DFB Pokal, drew Strasbourg 0-0, and had convincing friendly victories against FC Saarbrücken (4-1) and Bayern Alzenau (4-0). Their last Bundesliga game (May 17) ended in a 2-2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen.[2]
The official starting XI for the match against Köln features: Zentner; da Costa, Hanche-Olsen, Kohr; Caci, Kaishu, Amiri, Mwene; Nebel, Hollerbach, and Lee.[4]
Off the pitch, striker Nelson Weiper is set to sign a contract extension, as confirmed by CEO Christian Heidel.[6] However, forward Daniel Gleiber is sidelined with a muscle injury, reducing attacking options for the opening fixtures.[3]
Mainz recently suffered a narrow defeat in the first leg of their European qualifier against Rosenborg.[3] Still, Amiri’s stunning free kick in an earlier match sent Mainz through a previous round, demonstrating the squad’s resilience.[3]
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