Transfers

Mainz 05 experienced a turbulent transfer window. In the form of Anton Stach (to Hoffenheim), Aaron Martin (to Genoa) and Marcus Ingvartsen (to Nordsjaelland), three key figures from the previous season left the Bruchweg. Shortly after the start of this season, it became apparent that centre-back Andreas Hanche-Olsen and forward Nelson Weiper would be out for long periods of time, meaning that the 05ers had to readjust their squad with the season already underway. One name in particular caused a bit of a stir on the Rhine:

Defensively, Mainz were able to strengthen with a very experienced player: Joshua Guilavogui. The 33-year-old Frenchman is a familiar face from the Bundesliga, wore the captain's armband for VfL Wolfsburg for many years and was an undisputed leader there until the end of his contract. The defensive midfielder has played a total of 408 competitive games at national and international level, including seven appearances for the France senior side. At Mainz, Guilavogui is primarily set to feature in the role of central defender in a 3-4-2-1 system.
Instead of the Cottaweg, midfielder Tom Krauß currently plays at the Bruchweg. The former Leipzig player joined the 05ers in the summer, having featured 32 times in the Bundesliga for Schalke 04 last season, scoring twice. 05 head coach Bo Svensson was full of praise at the player's presentation, saying that "Tom already has a wealth of experience at the highest level. He knows that he has the potential for even more." The Leipzig-born man has not received the playing time he hoped for so far, but he scored his first goal for Mainz last week, which was vital to earn a point in Bochum.
Central defensive talent Sepp van den Berg went on a similar path - after a spell in Gelsenkirchen, the Netherlands U21 international again went out on loan, this time to Mainz. Van den Berg is still under contract at Liverpool, but joined the 05ers for a year on the recommendation of head coach and Mainz legend Jürgen Klopp. "Sepp is a young, incredibly focused central defender, who already brings a lot: he has technique, game intelligence, physicality and mentality," raved Bo Svensson. The young Dutchman has started seven games out of nine and has recorded some of the best tackling statistics in the 05ers' squad.