Mainz 05’s Strategic Moves in the January Transfer Window

omidbasir- FSV Mainz 05’s sporting director, Nico Bungert, has recently confirmed that the club has concluded its transfer activities for January 2026. Alongside CEO Christian Heidel, Bungert has been proactive in addressing the team’s personnel needs during the current transfer window; however, this does not rule out the possibility of further dealings.

At the beginning of the year, Mainz found themselves at the bottom of the Bundesliga table. Since then, they have managed to secure two victories and a draw across four league matches, accumulating seven points and climbing into the promotion-relegation playoff position. While their safety is not guaranteed, new head coach Urs Fischer has already begun to leverage the skills of the recent signings.

Heidel and Bungert acted swiftly, acquiring two new attackers: Augsburg striker Phillip Tietz, for a reported fee that may be slightly above market value, and Stuttgart winger Silas, who was secured on a low-cost, low-risk deal. Both players have been integrated into the starting lineup under Fischer, although Tietz has only provided a single assist thus far and has yet to score for Mainz. Despite his lack of goals, Tietz has positively influenced teammates like Benedict Hollerbach and Nadiem Amiri from various attacking roles. Unfortunately, both Tietz and Silas struggled in a recent match against Köln, where Tietz also missed a penalty.

The third addition during this transfer window, Stefan Posch, made an immediate impact by starting in the match against Wolfsburg shortly after finalizing his transfer. Posch’s performance in that victory was well-received, and expectations for his continued contribution are high.

Currently, Mainz is not in a hurry to sell any players. The purchase of Tietz (€4 million) and Posch’s loan fee (€200,000) have not significantly affected Mainz’s overall transfer surplus. As a smaller market club, Mainz is not a major revenue generator; however, their recent form has notably impacted matchday receipts, highlighting the importance of securing additional funds through loan fees.

Recent loan outs of players like Hong Hyun-Seok and Konstantin Schopp have not generated reported fees, nor has the latest loan arrangement for attacker Ben Bobzien. Additionally, inconsistent forwards such as William Bøving, Paul Nebel, and Arnaud Nordin may be considered for loan opportunities.

It seems highly unlikely that Mainz will entertain offers for Kaishu Sano during the ongoing relegation battle. Similarly, Heidel and Bungert are not expected to sell their only valuable asset with an expiring contract, Jae-Sung Lee, at this time.

Among the current roster, Nelson Weiper appears to be the most likely candidate for departure. Despite a tumultuous offseason culminating in a contract extension, Weiper has yet to find the net in the Bundesliga this season. A recent bout of flu has delayed his return to action in 2026. If Mainz fails to secure loan fees for their €12 million-valued player, they may consider a sale. Should Weiper leave, it is highly probable that Mainz would not be finished with their recruitment in the January transfer window.

Bungert himself has not entirely ruled out new acquisitions: “We are very well positioned to achieve our goals,” he stated following Saturday’s 3-1 win over Wolfsburg. “There will probably be no further signings.”