Mainz eye midfielders from relegated clubs

FSV Mainz 05’s proactive search for more central midfielders, according to separate reports, leads to both a French and German side recently relegated from their respective top divisions. 

FSV Mainz 05 head-coach Bo Svensson currently possesses a roster with great depth in central midfield. Starters Dominik Kohr and Leandro Barreiro performed well towards the latter stages of the just-completed campaign. Moreover, German youth international Anton Stach can also fill in at the six slot, his natural position, if need be.

There is reportedly nevertheless some concern in club management that, with Barreiro and Stach both sitting on contracts set to expire next season, additional players should be acquired. Germany’s main sporting tabloid reports that the Rheinhessen are considering selling one of the duo if the right offer comes in.

France’s L’Équipe reports that Martin Schmidt, Christian Heidel, and the Mainz administrative team have interest in 23-year-old Batista Mendy of recently relegated Ligue 1 side Angers SCO. The defensive midfielder, who can also operate as a central defender, could be had for a very reasonable price of some €4 million. A sale of Stach or Barreiro could generate three to four times that amount.

Germany’s “Sport Bild” tabloid reports that die Nullfünfter are also considering bringing back one of their former academy products as a means of bolstering the midfield. Relegated Hertha BSC will obviously be anxious to shed themselves of overpriced transfer flop Suat Serdar as they prepare to organize a 2. Bundesliga payroll.

Serdar represented Mainz for a full decade between 2008 and 2018. The former German international’s market worth stands at €6.5 million, but the capital city’s Charlottenburg side would certainly be willing to let him go for less than that. Germany’s Kicker Magazine also reports that Mainz, along with Galatasary Istanbul, have interest in Serdar.

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