Mainz Signs Union Berlin Forward Benedict Hollerbach for Four Years

Benedict Hollerbach, Union Berlin's leading scorer with 14 Bundesliga goals over two seasons, has transferred to Mainz 05 on a four-year deal, marking a significant acquisition for the club as they prepare for the 2025/26 season's Bundesliga and Europa Conference League campaigns. While transfer fee reports vary between €7.5 million and €10 million, Mainz's sporting director Niko Bungert praised Hollerbach as a dynamic, hardworking attacker who fits their high-intensity playing style and can operate in multiple forward positions. Hollerbach expressed enthusiasm for the new challenge at Mainz, highlighting his alignment with the club's courageous football philosophy. Union Berlin faces challenges replacing Hollerbach's offensive contributions, as other forwards have scored minimally, though they aim to make Andrej Ilić's loan move permanent and complete the signing of young forward Ilyas Ansah. Hollerbach's departure comes amid speculation that Mainz may need a new lead striker if Jonathan Burkardt leaves, and Borussia Mönchengladbach is also reportedly interested in Hollerbach. This transfer underscores Mainz's ambition to strengthen their squad for European competition, while Union looks to reinvest the transfer fee to address attacking deficiencies.