Official | Mainz 05 sign Eric Martel on free transfer | OneFootball

Mainz 05 have announced the signing of former Cologne midfielder Eric Martel.

The 24-year-old, who has penned a three-year contract until 2029, joins the club on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at the Billy Goats.

Martel was only absent in the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign through suspension, featuring in all but three Bundesliga games as they secured their league status.

The signing of Martel is a transfer coup for Mainz, who secured their Bundesliga status under Urs Fischer. The 05ers appointed the former Union Berlin head coach in December with the club rooted to the foot of the table, but the Carnival club finished the campaign in tenth after a run of just two defeats in 11 games.

Additionally, Mainz were knocked out by French outfit Strasbourg (4-2 on aggregate) in the UEFA Conference League.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder