Overview
- Mainz 05 announced the signing of Fabio Gruber from 1. FC Nürnberg on Friday, June 12, 2026, and published a welcome video showing the player with the Peruvian flag.
- Gruber is 23 years old, holds Peruvian and German nationality, and played the bulk of the 2025–26 season as a starter and captain for Nürnberg in the 2. Bundesliga.
- Statistical platforms and club sources say Gruber logged more than 2,700 minutes, started 32–41 matches in the period cited, and ranked among the top defenders in the division.
- Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert praised Gruber's leadership, aerial strength and technical play, and German journalists predicted he could adapt well to coach Urs Fischer's system.
- The club's announcement did not state a transfer fee or contract length while some German outlets reported a fee above €3 million and a four-year deal, and Gruber may become the 12th Peruvian to play in the Bundesliga.