Joining Mainz 05 in January 2024 may have been the best move of Nadiem Amiri’s career. However, the 29-year-old midfielder could be making his final appearance for the club this weekend at Heidenheim, despite having a contract valid until summer 2027. Signs are mounting that Amiri is aiming for a transfer.
After Mainz’s 1-3 loss to Union Berlin on Sunday, Amiri avoided questions about his future in a DAZN interview, offering vague responses like “I don’t know” or “I don’t understand.” This left fans uncertain whether they might lose another fan favorite—following Jonathan Burkardt last season—who has been key to the team’s recent progress.
Sports director Niko Bungert tried to calm the situation: “We are relatively relaxed about it. Neither Nadiem nor any club has signaled that a change is possible. There is always speculation about Nadiem during transfer windows, but so far he remains here and happy.”
For Amiri, whose market value soared from €4 million to as high as €20 million (currently €17 million), the coming weeks are crucial. He aims to secure a spot in Germany’s World Cup squad after missing the last two international camps due to injury. Additionally, with his 30th birthday five months away, this may be his last chance for a major transfer and a lucrative contract.
Rumors link the Turkish champions Galatasaray with Amiri. The Istanbul club will play in next season’s Champions League, while Mainz, despite reaching the Conference League quarterfinals, will have no European football in 2026/27.
