Alexander Schwolow returns to Mainz 05 Mainz 05 has signed experienced goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow. The 34-year-old from Wiesbaden joins from Scottish club Heart of Midlothian to complete Mainz’s goalkeeping trio. League standing: 10th in Bundesliga, 40 pts, 10W-10D-14L from 34 games, recent form WLWLD.

Why Schwolow fits Mainz 05 After Daniel Batz’s move to Borussia Mönchengladbach, Mainz 05 needed an experienced replacement. Schwolow brings 177 Bundesliga appearances for SC Freiburg and impressed in Scotland with 17 clean sheets. Sport director Niko Bungert says: “Alex convinced us with his personality.”

Schwolow’s role at Mainz 05 Though Robin Zentner remains the first-choice keeper, Schwolow will provide strong competition and backup. Coach Urs Fischer knows Schwolow from their time together at Union Berlin and praises his professionalism. Schwolow will join the team’s training camp in Austria at the end of July.

What does this mean for preseason? With Schwolow on board, Mainz 05 now has three goalkeepers: Zentner as the starter, Schwolow as backup, and Maximilian Kinzig as the third option. The signing shows the club is prioritizing experience to bolster their defense. Goals this season: 44 scored, 53 conceded (-9 goal difference).