Alexander Schwolow joins Mainz after Champions League exit with Hearts | OneFootball

Alexander Schwolow returns to Bundesliga with a move to Mainz after a single season with Heart of Midlothian F.C. Per the agreements of the two clubs, Schwolow played the Champions League preliminary qualifiers against Sturm Graz before joining his new teammates.

However, it wasn't a good experience for both Schwolow and the Scottish club. Sturm Graz, who have signed Nelson Weiper on loan from Mainz this month, progressed to the next round of Europe's premier competition with a resounding 6-0 aggregate win. 

Schwolow also missed out on the Scottish Premiership title during the 2025/26 season as Celtic climbed past the underdogs on the last day. Hearts will now face Benfica in the Europa League qualifying tie.

Meanwhile, Schwolow joins Mainz's preparation for the new season under Urs Fischer. The 34-year-old was part of Fischer's Union Berlin squad when they were playing in the Champions League, but his seven appearances for the club all came after the departure of the Swiss coach.

The former Germany youth international played over 200 Bundesliga games for Freiburg, Hertha BSC, Schalke and Union Berlin. Mainz saw their second choice goalkeeper Daniel Batz join Borussia Mönchengladbach on a free transfer last month.