• Borussia Dortmund submit €20 million offer for 1. FSV Mainz 05 centre-back Kacper Potulski
• Mainz reject the bid and demand a higher transfer fee for the Poland international
• The defender recently earned his first senior call-up to the Poland national team
• Bayer 04 Leverkusen are also monitoring the former Legia Warsaw academy player

Borussia Dortmund have made a concrete attempt to sign Polish defender Kacper Potulski. Reports from Poland claim the Bundesliga giants have tabled a €20 million bid for the centre-half.

However, 1. FSV Mainz 05 have turned down this approach. The club wants a larger sum for the talented 20-year-old, especially after he received his first senior call-up to the Poland national team.

Potulski joined Mainz in the summer of 2023 from the youth academy at Legia Warsaw. His current contract runs until 2028 and reportedly does not include a release clause.

Other top clubs are also tracking his progress. Bayer 04 Leverkusen are said to be keen on securing his signature.

This bid comes as Dortmund continue to rebuild their defence. The club has already agreed a separate deal worth around €20 million to sign teenager Joane Gadou from RB Salzburg.

• Mainz midfielder Nadiem Amiri has earned a place in Julian Nagelsmann’s 26-man Germany squad for the World Cup
• The player’s family recorded a video for the official announcement on Monday but kept his selection secret for several days
• Amiri discovered the news during a FaceTime call with Mainz teammate Philip Tietz
• Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann personally telephoned the midfielder to confirm his place on the team

Mainz midfielder Nadiem Amiri has described the emotional rollercoaster he experienced before learning of his World Cup selection. The 27-year-old recently secured a spot in Julian Nagelsmann’s squad for the upcoming tournament, though the wait for confirmation proved difficult.

The player’s relatives actually received early notice of the decision. Officials asked them to prepare footage for the official squad announcement video, which they filmed on Monday. However, they chose to keep this information private from Amiri, leaving him in suspense for several days.

“My family had already shot the nomination video on Monday. This means they knew days before, whereas I spent that time feeling rather miserable,” the midfielder told Bild.

Fortune struck during a casual video conversation with Mainz colleague Philip Tietz. The pair were connected via FaceTime when the Germany coach finally made contact.

“My teammate had just asked about my situation. The call came right at that moment. I placed him on hold and broke the news to him afterwards,” Amiri recalled.

The midfielder admitted the call caught him completely off guard. He felt pure joy upon hearing the news. Nagelsmann previously noted that Amiri displayed strong emotions during their conversation. The Mainz star now prepares to represent the national team on the global stage.

• The 27-year-old attacker will complete a full transfer to the Ligue 1 club
• His loan contract from January included a mandatory purchase clause
• Ten league appearances and European qualification triggered the obligation
• The player will move for a reported minimal fee

Arnaud Nordin is set to remain at Stade Rennais on a permanent contract. The winger initially joined the French side in January on a temporary basis from German outfit Mainz.

The loan agreement contained a compulsory buying option. This clause activated after Nordin played ten matches in the French top division. It also required the club to secure qualification for European competition. Both conditions have now been satisfied.

The 27-year-old scored one goal and created two others during his short spell. His efforts helped Rennes book a place in continental football for next season. Reports suggest the transfer fee will be low.

In March, the player spoke about his desire to stay at the club. He praised the warm reception from supporters and the family atmosphere within the squad. He also highlighted the ambition shown by the club’s directors.

Nordin now looks forward to repaying that faith. He wants to fight for the team on the pitch every weekend.

• Eric Martel will depart 1. FC Köln when his contract expires at the end of the season
• The 24-year-old has agreed to join 1. FSV Mainz 05 on a free transfer
• VfL Wolfsburg also wanted the midfielder but lost out to Die Nullfünfer
• Martel is scheduled to undergo his medical examination on Tuesday
• He played 134 matches for Köln after arriving from RB Leipzig in 2022

Eric Martel is set to begin a new chapter in his career. The German midfielder will leave 1. FC Köln this summer. His current deal with the club runs out at the end of the campaign.

The 24-year-old has selected Mainz 05 as his next club. He will move to the Opel Arena on a free transfer. This decision comes after careful consideration of several options.

VfL Wolfsburg also made an approach for the versatile player. However, Martel chose Mainz over the Wolves. He is expected to complete his medical tests on Tuesday before finalising the switch.

Martel first joined Köln from RB Leipzig in 2022. Over three seasons, he made 134 appearances for the Billy Goats. He found the net eight times and provided five assists during his spell at the RheinEnergieStadion.

The defensive midfielder can also play at centre-back. His experience in the Bundesliga will provide valuable depth for Mainz as they prepare for the next campaign.

• Rune Gjerulff picks his best eleven from the last matchday of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season
• The XI lines up in a 4-4-2 formation packed with goalscorers and creative playmakers
• Union Berlin and Bayern Munich dominate the selections with multiple representatives
• One striker reaches 36 goals for the season with a stunning final-day hat-trick
• A Mainz goalkeeper bids farewell with a clean sheet in his last appearance for the club

The 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign has concluded, and Bulinews Editor-in-Chief Rune Gjerulff has named his final Team of the Week. The selected side adopts a 4-4-2 shape and includes stars from the last round of fixtures.

Between the posts, the Mainz goalkeeper delivered a fitting goodbye to Die Nullfünfer supporters. He produced five crucial saves to keep a clean sheet during his final outing before his summer exit.

The right-back caused constant problems down the flank. He supplied an assist and created three clear chances while recording 0.68 expected goals. His defensive duties were handled with equal care.

At centre-back, one defender commanded the area with authority. He scored his fifth goal of the term, maintained 93 per cent passing accuracy, and won four of five physical contests.

Another defender combined solid protection at the back with attacking threat. He struck the woodwork early, provided the assist for Jan-Niklas Beste’s opener, and later found the net himself.

In midfield, one player capped a fine display with a wonderful goal. He used his power to dominate opponents, winning eight of nine duels during the ninety minutes.

Union Berlin’s Schäfer acted as the engine in the centre of the park. He both scored and assisted in their victory while retaining possession superbly with 94 per cent pass completion.

Bayern Munich’s midfielder dictated the rhythm of play with 111 touches. He found a teammate with 92 per cent of his passes and teed up two goals in a commanding showing.

Wolfsburg’s Eriksen proved decisive despite failing from the penalty spot. He contributed to all three goals in their vital 3-1 win over St. Pauli, a result that boosted their survival hopes.

One forward ended his year on a high by netting his 12th league strike. He also fashioned two opportunities for colleagues and won every one of his six duels in a complete performance.

Union Berlin’s Ilic was lethal in front of goal. He grabbed a brace during their 4-0 thrashing of Augsburg to underline his attacking instincts.

The attack is led by a striker who signed off with a perfect hat-trick. He takes his seasonal total to 36 Bundesliga goals from just 31 appearances, capping a remarkable 2025/26 campaign.

• Heidenheim finish 17th in Bundesliga after 2-0 loss to Mainz
• Club relegated after three seasons in Germany’s top division
• Manager Frank Schmidt says team deserved to go down
• Coach praises fans and promises quick rebuild for 2. Bundesliga

1. FC Heidenheim will compete in the second tier next season. The club has dropped out of the Bundesliga after finishing in 17th place. They lost 2-0 to 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday.

Mainz scored two goals in the first half. Heidenheim tried to fight back after the break. They created some good chances but could not find the net.

Frank Schmidt spoke to reporters after the match. He is the head coach of Heidenheim. He said his players did not give up at half-time. They wanted to change the result. However, Mainz were the better team on the day.

“We told ourselves that giving up was not an option,” Schmidt explained. “We had chances early in the second half. If we had scored then, the game might have changed. But Mainz deserved to win.”

This result ends Heidenheim’s three-year stay in the top flight. The club only earned 26 points this season. Schmidt admitted this was not enough.

“We deserved to go down,” he stated. “Nobody is happy about relegation. We must be honest about our performance.”

The manager praised the club’s supporters. He thanked the fans, sponsors, and staff. He said their support gives the team strength.

Schmidt promised to rebuild the squad. He wants to create a strong team for next season. The club will play in the 2. Bundesliga.

“We will analyse everything openly,” he said. “Then we will prepare for the new campaign. We have shown before that we can bounce back quickly.”

• St. Pauli must win to avoid automatic relegation to the second tier
• Wolfsburg have never dropped out of the Bundesliga in their history
• Both clubs face injury crises with seven and eight players unavailable
• The final league position also depends on Heidenheim’s result against Mainz
• The winner could secure a place in the relegation playoff

FC St. Pauli face a do-or-die battle at their Millerntor-Stadion home this weekend. The Hamburg-based club must defeat VfL Wolfsburg to keep their survival hopes alive. Anything less than three points will send them straight to the 2. Bundesliga.

The hosts currently sit at the foot of the table with just 26 points from 33 matches. They have not tasted victory in nine games. Their last win came on the road against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in February. Since then, they have drawn three and lost six contests.

Coach Alexander Blessin watches over the worst attack in the division. His side have scored only 28 goals this season. They also hold the second-worst home record, having won just four times on their own patch. Only their opponents this weekend have collected fewer points at home.

Blessin faces a major selection headache ahead of the match. Seven players are unavailable through injury. American midfielder James Sands, Greek defender Manolis Saliakas, and Estonian centre-back Karol Mets are all sidelined. English forward Ricky-Jade Jones remains doubtful with an ankle problem.

The visitors from Wolfsburg share the same points total but sit two places higher in 16th position. However, they have won only twice since the turn of the year. Their most recent victory came against 1. FC Union Berlin in April. Like St. Pauli, they have struggled to find form in the closing weeks of the campaign.

Dieter Hecking’s side carry a proud record into this fixture. The club has never been relegated from the top flight since they first joined in 1997. This history adds extra pressure to their survival bid on Saturday.

Wolfsburg also face serious fitness concerns. Eight players are missing from the squad. Austrian winger Patrick Wimmer is definitely out with a muscle injury. Danish striker Jonas Wind and German right-back Kilian Fischer may return, but only if their team reaches the relegation playoff.

The maths are complicated for both clubs. A win for St. Pauli keeps them in contention. However, they also need 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 to drop points against 1. FSV Mainz 05. If Heidenheim win, St. Pauli must triumph by a bigger margin to climb above them on goal difference.

Wolfsburg can secure the playoff spot with a victory and a Heidenheim slip-up. A draw might be enough for the Wolves, but only if Heidenheim also fail to win. If both matches end level, both St. Pauli and Wolfsburg will go down together.

The two sides met in January at the Volkswagen Arena. Wolfsburg won that contest 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Dženan Pejčinović. History favours the visitors, who have never lost to St. Pauli in competitive Bundesliga matches.

This clash promises high drama at the wrong end of the table. Both sets of supporters will watch nervously, knowing that 90 minutes could decide their fate for next season.

• Danny Da Costa agrees new contract to stay at Mainz until June 2027
• Deal triggered automatically after club secured Bundesliga safety
• Versatile defender has featured in 44 matches across all competitions this season
• Joined from Eintracht Frankfurt initially on loan during 2021

1. FSV Mainz 05 have announced that defender Danny Da Costa has signed a fresh contract. The new deal will keep the 32-year-old at the club until the summer of 2027.

The extension was activated after Mainz confirmed their place in next season’s Bundesliga. The club secured their top-flight status following an away victory against FC St. Pauli.

Da Costa has established himself as a vital member of the squad since the 2022/23 campaign. The experienced full-back offers flexibility across the defence. He can operate effectively within a back three or on the right flank.

This season, the player has demonstrated remarkable durability. He has taken part in 44 of the club’s 47 competitive fixtures.

Da Costa first arrived at Mainz on a temporary basis in 2021. He completed a permanent switch from Eintracht Frankfurt just twelve months later.

“Danny represents total reliability,” stated Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert. “To maintain such high standards and appear in nearly every match throughout a long season is outstanding. We are thrilled to retain his composure, stability and vast experience,” Bungert added.

• Goalkeeper Robin Zentner starts his first match after a long-term injury absence
• Forward Sheraldo Becker faces his old club Union Berlin at the Mewa Arena
• Union coach Marie-Louise Eta hunts for her first Bundesliga win in her fourth game
• The Berlin side has already secured their place in next season’s top flight
• Urs Fischer takes charge of Mainz against the club he formerly managed

1. FSV Mainz 05 welcome 1. FC Union Berlin to the Mewa Arena for the final clash of matchday 33 in the Bundesliga. The hosts aim to end their home campaign with a strong performance.

Manager Urs Fischer previously spent several years in charge of the visitors. Since arriving at Mainz, he has lifted the team’s results. Now he wants another solid display from his players in their last home outing of the season.

Robin Zentner returns between the posts for the hosts. This marks his first start since recovering from a lengthy lay-off. Up front, Sheraldo Becker leads the line against the club where he used to play.

For the visitors, head coach Marie-Louise Eta continues her search for a maiden victory. She has overseen three league matches without a win so far. However, Union have already guaranteed their safety in the division. Defeats for FC St. Pauli and VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday confirmed their survival.

Livan Burcu keeps his place in the starting eleven after his decisive contribution last weekend. Veteran defender Christopher Trimmel also starts and will wear the captain’s armband.

Mainz 05 Starting XI: Zentner; da Costa, Posch, Kohr; Caci, Nebel, Sano, Amiri (c), Mwene; Tietz, Becker

Union Berlin Starting XI: Klaus; Doekhi, Diogo Leite, Kemlein; Trimmel (c), Burcu, Khedira, Rothe; Burke, Ansah; Ilić

• Nadiem Amiri could leave Mainz 05 this summer despite his contract running until 2028
• Galatasaray officials are keen to bring the German international to Istanbul
• Manager Okan Buruk opposes the transfer and prefers other targets
• The 29-year-old has scored 16 goals and provided 4 assists this season
• The move requires approval from Buruk to proceed

Nadiem Amiri may leave Mainz 05 at the end of the season. The German midfielder has a contract until 2028. However, the club and player could part ways this summer.

Sky Germany reports that Galatasaray is interested in the player. Officials at the Turkish club want to sign the nine-time German international. They see him as a key target for their summer squad.

But manager Okan Buruk does not agree with the move. The coach is not fully convinced by Amiri. He wants to sign different players instead.

Galatasaray has money available for transfers this summer. They can afford to buy the 29-year-old. However, Amiri will only join if Buruk gives his approval.

Amiri has had an excellent season. He has scored 16 goals in all competitions. He has also made four assists. This strong form has increased his value in the transfer market.