Dembélé Delight For Mainz
Jürgen Klopp has made his first signing on his return to Mainz 05, one which has come as quite a surprise. With Real Madrid, Arsenal and Bayern Munich all scouting and keen on landing this "wonderkids" signature, Strutz, the Club President, was eager to get a deal pushed through for Rennes attacker Ousmane Dembélé to join on loan with the option to buy after his twelve month spell.
As a youngster Dembélé left his hometown Club Évreux aged just thirteen for the Rennes Youth Academy. He represented France at various ages and signed his first professional contract, a three-year deal in October 2014 after tough negotiations which at one point saw him refusing to train with the first team. That had all been forgotten and on the evidence of the forward's nine goals in seventeen Ligue 1 appearances he had become one of the French Club's prized possesions.
The youngster's small physique is offset by his speed, invention and technique. He's a proper forward and thanks to his changes of direction he can easily wrongfoot opponents. The 18-year old is very technical with both feet and has a knack of scoring brilliant goals. And his side never lost a game when he has registered on the scoresheet in Ligue 1.
"This is a show of intent by the Club, we are looking at bringing in the best young talent around Europe. There is a massive challenge for anyone coming to Mainz 05 and the Bundesliga. We are beginning a new journey and we are delighted Ousmane is going to be a part of that. The loan deal is ideal for Mainz, the player has the chance to come here and prove he is worthy of a permanent contract and if things don't work out he can return to France with some valuable experience."
Elkin Soto is one of many to depart
When players come into a Club it's a sure thing players will depart and Mainz have shown the exit to no fewer than ten senior squad players, freeing up transfer funds and wages for any other proposed moves.
One player to move on is popular Columbian midfielder Elkin Soto. The 34-year old has been with 'Der Karnevalsverein' since 2006. However he had only managed sixteen games last season before breaking down with a cruciate injury. His estimated return isn't until April next year and Klopp has decided to let the player go. FSV Mainz 05 however, will continue to provide treatment and rehabilitation for the long serving Soto until he is fit enough to find a new Club.
Gonzalo Jaro has joined Bundesliga opposition Bremen in a deal worth £500K. The Chilean centre-half signed from English Championship side Nottingham Forest but there is no plans to use him this year under the new management team. The ever ageing Niki Zimling left for pastures new and now links up with Brøndby where he started his senior career some fifteen years ago. Gaëtan Bussman was released soon after Klopp's appointment whilst Todor Nedelev left for Turkish outfit Basaksehir in a cut price deal worth £250K.
Another first team player to move on is Christoph Moritz, the holding midfielder played a key role in the Mainz side under Martin Schmidt but Klopp has decided to let the 25-year old join Hoffenheim in a £4M deal. Christian Clemens has returned to Schalke, his Parent Club, and experienced goalkeeper Gianluca Curci has been released due to being surplus to requirements.
"I would like to wish all the players who have left the Club the very best of luck. It was nothing personal with any of them. Like I said in my interview last week, for us to succeed and hit our targets, we need the correct calibre of player here and that is what we are hoping to do in the next few weeks before the window shuts."
