Mainz 05 have reached a verbal agreement to allow attacker Paul Nebel to depart this summer, sporting director Christian Heidel has confirmed. The 23-year-old will be permitted to leave the Bundesliga club provided a “market-oriented” transfer offer materialises.
Heidel revealed that no written document seals the arrangement, though both parties have mapped out the process. “There is no piece of paper,” he told Bild. “But with him and his management, we clearly discussed how to proceed.”
The club chief explained that should Nebel identify a destination and the interested club submit a significant bid, Mainz will work to finalise the transfer. However, Heidel warned that the club “will not agree to a change” should the offer fall short of their valuation.
Contract situation driving decision
The arrangement stems from Nebel’s reluctance to extend his current contract, which expires at the end of the upcoming season. Rather than risk losing the attacker on a free transfer in 12 months, Mainz have opted to facilitate a move now should appropriate terms arise.
According to Transfermarkt, Nebel carries a market valuation of €18 million. The Germany youth international has established himself as a productive Bundesliga performer, netting 15 goals in the competition since securing a regular role following a developmental loan spell at second-tier Karlsruhe.
What happens next
Heidel’s comments came as Mainz continued their pre-season preparations with a 3-0 victory over Holstein Kiel. With the new campaign approaching, the club appears determined to resolve Nebel’s future promptly to allow adequate time for squad adjustments should he depart.
No specific interested parties have been publicly identified, though the player’s age and scoring record are likely to attract attention from domestic and potentially international markets. The coming weeks will determine whether a bid meeting Mainz’s valuation emerges to trigger the agreed separation.
The situation places Nebel in a pivotal position as he evaluates his options. A move this summer would secure Mainz a transfer fee and allow the player to join a new club with immediate effect, avoiding the uncertainty of entering his final contract year.