Mainz 05 has concluded the transfer period with two clear personnel decisions: Kaishu Sano remains with the Bundesliga club, while Andreas Hanche-Olsen joins Chicago Fire FC in MLS. This is reported by the Allgemeine Zeitung following the end of the summer transfer window on August 27th.
The Japanese key player Sano thus remains a central figure in the Mainz 05 squad. Sporting director Christian Heidel had cited a transfer fee of 25 million euros for the player. "For 25 million euros you don't even get one of his legs," Heidel said according to the report. Offers in that range were deemed insufficient for a transfer. The player's expected market value was significantly higher, estimated at around 50 to 60 million euros.
Why Hanche-Olsen is leaving Mainz 05
Andreas Hanche-Olsen is moving to the USA after three and a half years at Mainz 05. The 29-year-old Norwegian international signed a long-term contract with Chicago Fire FC, running until the 2030/31 season. The transfer fee is two million dollars. Hanche-Olsen joined FSV in January 2023 for 2.5 million euros from Belgian club KAA Gent. During his time in Mainz, the centre-back made 77 competitive appearances, 67 of them in the Bundesliga. Injuries, however, repeatedly set him back. In total, he missed 59 competitive matches, including the entire second half of the previous season. In the current pecking order of centre-backs at Mainz 05, he slipped to fifth or sixth choice and was recently not part of the matchday squad.
How the squad is further changing
In addition to Hanche-Olsen's departure, Hyunseok Hong is also expected to leave the club. According to information from Allgemeine Zeitung and Sky, the player will be loaned to FC Midtjylland, with a purchase option reportedly agreed. For Marco Richter, no development materialized before the transfer deadline, so he remains a candidate for a move. The transfer activities took place in the summer of 2024 and shape the squad with which Mainz 05 started the current season.
Where Mainz 05 currently stands in the league
The Nullfünf started the 2026/27 Bundesliga season with a draw and occupies tenth place in the standings after one match. The team has one point, from a goalless draw in the opening fixture. In the table, they are thus two points behind current leaders Bayern Munich. The next league match is on September 6, 2026, when Mainz 05 travels to face Hamburger SV. HSV is currently in 14th place. All upcoming fixtures can be viewed on our fixtures page.
The retention of Kaishu Sano strengthens the team for the challenges ahead, while the move of Andreas Hanche-Olsen to Chicago offers the player a long-term perspective. Mainz 05 plays away at Hamburg on September 6th.
