Mainz 05 are preparing to part ways with Edimilson Fernandes as the club begins efforts to reduce its oversized 31-player squad ahead of the new season. The Swiss international, who joined from West Ham United in 2019 for €7.5 million, appears to be on the verge of leaving. According to the Mainzer Allgemeine Zeitung, the 28-year-old is close to finalizing a transfer, although no destination has been confirmed.
Fernandes, who has featured in 91 Bundesliga matches for Mainz, has frequently been loaned out in recent years. His most recent spell came with Stade Brest, where he made ten Champions League appearances and netted one goal. Prior to that, he had temporary stays at Young Boys and Arminia Bielefeld. Despite not being in Bo Henriksen’s future plans, the Swiss national team player retains an estimated value of €3 million.
Richter struggles to find a new club
Another Mainz player expected to depart is Marco Richter. The former Germany U21 international has also returned from a loan, having spent the past season with Hamburg. Unfortunately, the forward was unable to make a significant impact at the newly promoted Bundesliga side.
While Richter’s future remains uncertain, there may be a way forward. Italian journalist Maurizio Russo reports that Serie A newcomers Pisa SC have expressed interest in a potential loan deal. At 27 years old, Richter has yet to find a long-term fit and is not in consideration for a role under the current Mainz manager.
Coach Henriksen reshapes his squad
With their place in the Conference League secured, Mainz are actively restructuring the team under Bo Henriksen. Both Fernandes and Richter are not part of the Danish coach’s vision going forward. As the club seeks to balance European ambitions with a more streamlined roster, departures such as these are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
Mainz prepare for summer departures as squad downsizing begins
