Mainz 05 Secures Becker on Loan, Announces Key Transfers

FSV Mainz 05 achieved a significant milestone on transfer deadline day by securing the loan of former Union Berlin star Sheraldo Becker. In addition to this key acquisition, the club completed two other transactions just before the closure of the transfer window.

Becker, who made 140 appearances for Union Berlin from 2019 to 2024, netted 24 goals during his tenure with die Eisernen. At the height of his career, the Dutch-Surinamese striker was valued at €17 million.

However, his fortunes have changed since transferring to Real Sociedad for €3 million two years ago, where he scored only four goals. Most recently, he joined Osasuna but failed to find the net in nine league matches.

In a related development, Mainz forward Benedict Hollerbach suffered a significant injury during the weekend’s Bundesliga victory over RB Leipzig, requiring season-ending ACL surgery. Hollerbach, who also played under Urs Fischer at Union, was beginning to regain his form before this setback. Despite this loss, Mainz found encouragement as Hollerbach’s replacement, Silas, collaborated with new winter signing Phillip Tietz to secure the match-winning goal.

As previously speculated, Mainz has also taken steps to release French forward Arnaud Nordin from their roster. After joining from Montpellier a year ago, Nordin has yet to score in 20 appearances for Mainz. He will return to Stade Rennes on loan for the remainder of the season, marking an unsuccessful first foray outside of France.

Additionally, Mainz has signed Finnish forward Otto Ruoppi from Kuopion PS on a permanent deal, although they have loaned the 20-year-old back to his former club for the season. The transfer fee for Ruoppi is reported to be €1.5 million, paving the way for Becker’s arrival.

“Sheraldo Becker is well-acquainted with the league and our coach,” said Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert in an official statement. “We are thrilled to have found a swift solution that allows for minimal acclimatization while enhancing the quality of our squad.”

Becker expressed his enthusiasm about the move: “I’m delighted that it all worked out so quickly and that I’m returning to the Bundesliga. I played almost all of my Bundesliga games under Urs Fischer and am happy to be working with him again. Now, it’s all about securing as many points as possible in the relegation battle.”