Overview
- Mainz confirmed the free transfer of 24-year-old defensive midfielder Eric Martel from Köln for next season, with the contract length undisclosed and some German outlets reporting a term to 2029.
- Transfermarkt values Martel at €8 million, which it says makes him Mainz’s most valuable free signing, surpassing Anthony Caci’s €7 million mark.
- Martel declined a new Köln contract to seek a fresh challenge, Wolfsburg pursued him but missed out, and Sky reported he completed a medical in Mainz before the announcement.
- His arrival raises competition in a midfield group that includes Nadiem Amiri and Kaishu Sano, with reports suggesting at least one could leave in the summer window.
- Martel joined Köln from RB Leipzig in 2022 for €1.2 million, made 134 appearances for the club, and can play holding midfield or center back.