Mainz 05 have confirmed that striker Nelson Weiper has joined Austrian Bundesliga side Sturm Graz on a season-long loan for the 2026/27 campaign. The 21-year-old departs seeking regular first-team football after scoring seven goals in 74 appearances for the German club.
Weiper broke into the Mainz senior setup at a young age, but the club have sanctioned the temporary switch to provide him with the consistent playing time required to continue his development. The move comes as the forward enters a crucial phase of his career.
Bungert backs loan switch
Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert praised Weiper’s potential while explaining the rationale behind the arrangement. “Nelly has been and remains an outstanding German striking talent,” Bungert said. “At a very young age, he has already taken impressive steps with appearances and goals in the Bundesliga.”
Bungert revealed that both parties agreed regular football was now essential. “Together with Nelly, we came to the conclusion that regular starts at the highest possible level are now crucial for his development,” he explained. “Sturm Graz were able to present a convincing plan that gives Nelly the opportunity to showcase himself in different competitions and take another step forward next season. We wish Nelly all the best and every success on the pitch.”
Development opportunity
The loan offers Weiper a platform to establish himself as a regular starter and convert his evident potential into consistent performances. Sturm Graz compete in the Austrian Bundesliga, and Bungert noted that the club’s proposal would allow the striker to gain experience across multiple competitions.
The arrangement is strictly temporary, with Weiper expected to return to Mainz upon the loan’s completion next summer. The Bundesliga side will hope the experience abroad allows the forward to return as a more complete player capable of contributing regularly to their first-team squad.