FSV Mainz 05 Looks to Secure Borna Sosa on Loan from Crystal Palace

FSV Mainz 05, currently at the bottom of the Bundesliga standings, is reportedly keen on reuniting with wide player Borna Sosa, who currently plays for Crystal Palace. According to Germany’s Südwestrundfunk Radio (SWR), Mainz is exploring the possibility of securing Sosa on loan from the south London club. Sosa recently joined the Eagles in a €2.3 million transfer from Ajax this past summer.

The 27-year-old signed a three-year contract with Crystal Palace in July; however, he has only featured in three Premier League matches this season. Despite his limited playing time, SWR claims that Palace is not looking to sell Sosa outright. His potential move to Mainz could provide him with ample opportunities as a left wingback, especially considering injuries affecting regulars Anthony Caci and Phillipp Mwene.

Sosa had some of the most successful years of his career while playing for Stuttgart. During his breakout season in the 2020/21 campaign, the German Football Association (DFB) expedited the process for Sosa to obtain a German passport, anticipating his contribution to the national team at the Euro 2021. This initiative was led by former national team coach Joachim Löw. Although born in Croatia, Sosa had moved to Stuttgart from Dinamo Zagreb in 2015, and his German mother, raised in Berlin, facilitated his citizenship.

Unfortunately, the DFB couldn’t finalize Sosa’s citizenship in time to meet FIFA’s deadlines. He received a German passport in spring 2021 but chose to represent Croatia instead. Following his time at Stuttgart, Sosa enjoyed two more successful seasons in the Bundesliga before transferring to Ajax for €8 million in September 2023.

At the height of his career in June 2022, Sosa was valued at €23 million. However, his form began to decline prior to his move to Ajax, where he joined forces with former Stuttgart personnel chief Sven Mislintat. Unfortunately, his time in Amsterdam was not fruitful, leading to a disappointing Eredivisie season in 2023/24, after which he was loaned to Torino for the 2024/25 season.

Despite receiving consistent playing time in both Ajax and Torino, Sosa struggled to find the back of the net, and Torino chose not to activate the purchase option in his loan agreement. With Sosa still unable to perform under German-speaking Austrian manager Oliver Glasner, a loan move appears to be the most favorable option for his career at this stage.