Mainz officially introduce Lennard Maloney, Nelson Weiper probably staying put

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·22 gennaio 2025

Mainz officially introduce Lennard Maloney, Nelson Weiper probably staying put

Lennard Maloney’s rumored move from 1. FC Heidenheim to FSV Mainz 05 is officially through. Kicker reports that the FCH vice-captain does indeed switch to the Rheinhessen for what seems an absurdly low fee. Maloney, who maintains an estimated €5m market value, shall cost Mainz only €500,000.

The twice-capped USMNT international made 98 competitive appearances for Heidenheim over the last two-and-a-half years. Maloney counted as a very important component in the club’s promotion to the Bundesliga during the 2023/24 campaign.

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Last season, the versatile midfielder made 29 league and two cup appearances for Frank Schmidt’s FCH in Heidenheim’s inaugural top flight campaign. He attracted much attention from German football watchers.

Maloney led all players (including Granit Xhaka) in distance covered through the initial fourth of the 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign.

“Lenny had informed us that he would definitely sign for Mainz after his contract with us expires in the summer, but that he would like to make the move during this winter transfer window.” Heidenheim CEO Holger Sanwald noted in a statement. ”Since we were able to agree with the Mainz management on a financially reasonable solution in terms of transfer fees as a result, we have complied with his request to leave.” “Lennard Maloney has shown in the last year-and-a-half that he has arrived in the Bundesliga,” Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert added. ”He is at home in the number six position and fits perfectly with Mainz 05 in terms of his playing profile. He is a real character and is always running with the ball, as well as being strong in the air and in one-on-one duels. In addition, Lennard will fit perfectly into our dressing room with his warm, open manner.” “Mainz 05 is a great fit for me, both in terms of the way we play and the overall culture,” the player himself added. “Sometimes you quickly realize during the first conversations with the coaching staff and the coach that you will get along well. That was definitely the case here. I had a good feeling from the outset.”

In other Mainz-related transfer news, sporting director Bungert has made it clear that Germany U21 striker Nelson Weiper will not be loaned out during the current window. The Pfälzer still have a need for their homegrown player.

Even if Weiper’s meager number of appearances this year leave the 19-year-old a perceived piece of dead-weight on Bo Henriksen’s roster, Bungert told German journalist Thiemo Müller that several factors necessitated a stay.

Current lead-striker Jonathan Burkardt is both struggling with injury and the subject of outgoing transfer rumors as a potential Omar Marmoush replacement at Eintracht Frankfurt this coming offseason.

With Karim Onisiwo gone and a rotating cast of characters turning in mediocre performances on the second buttressing support axis behind either Burkardt or Armindo Sieb, Weiper could see more playing time.

“We would like to see him gain more playing time, but are not planning on letting him go,” Bungert told Müller.

GGFN | Peter Weis