Mainz 05 has secured the services of Fabio Gruber, a 23-year-old center-back and Peruvian national player. Gruber joins from 1. FC Nürnberg, where he served as team captain and played a total of 41 second-division matches in the 2025 season. The Augsburg-born player has already proven himself as a leader at his previous clubs, particularly at third-division side SC Verl, where he also wore the captain's armband. Mainz 05's sporting director Niko Bungert expressed excitement about the signing: "With Fabio Gruber, we are getting a young, extremely strong in duels and also skilled center-back with top character." Bungert is confident that Gruber will be a valuable addition to Mainz 05's defense. Gruber himself is looking forward to the new challenge in the Bundesliga and getting to know the city, the club, and the fans. He emphasized that his discussions with coach Urs Fischer and the Mainz 05 officials were very positive from the start. After the summer break, he aims to hit the ground running with his new teammates and support the club's goals.