Gleiber signs long-term professional contract

Daniel Gleiber has signed his first professional contract at Mainz 05. The 19-year-old midfielder, who moved to the club from FSV Frankfurt’s academy in 2020, has put pen to paper on a deal valid until 2028. Gleiber, who has been in the first-team squad on several occasions this season and came on in the DFB-Pokal home game against FC Bayern, currently captains the U23s, for whom he has played 12 times (1 goal, 2 assists). He was previously the captain of the U19s that won the German Championship and took part in the UEFA Youth League.

“Daniel has fully earned this contract through his impressive performances with the U19s, including in the Youth League, as well as with the U23s. He’s a really talented and good lad, who takes on responsibility and captains the teams he’s played for. Daniel, who has playing for us since the U16s, has really developed as a player, which is why we’ve shown our faith in him. He will therefore continue to be a part of the first-team squad and regularly train with them,” said sporting director Niko Bungert.

Volker Kersting, director of the academy, added: “We have watched Daniel progress over the years in the academy and he’s always managed to improve himself as a player thanks to his talent, hard work and great personality. He’s taken another big step in his development over the last year in particular. Daniel is another example of how outstanding young players can develop in our academy, who can then benefit from an accessible path to the first team.”