Kicker Report: Leipzig's Krauß wishes to move to Mainz, negotiations for sale underway
German journalists Oliver Hartmann and Theimo Müller of Germany's Kicker Magazine report that Germany U21 international Tom Krauß has chosen FSV Mainz 05 as his next professional destination.
Mainz and Krauß' parent club of RB Leipzig are currently negotiating over a deal to send the 22-year-old to the Pfälzer capital.
Following his season-long loan-stint with FC Schalke 04, young German midfield talent Tom Krauß has technically been returned to his parent club of RB Leipzig. With his prospects for earning playing time in Saxony not especially promising, it has long been tacitly assumed that the 22-year-old will move on to a different club this summer. Loose links with Borussia Mönchengladbach emerged earlier this spring.
Mainz and Krauß' parent club of RB Leipzig are currently negotiating over a deal to send the 22-year-old to the Pfälzer capital.
Germany's preeminent footballing publication now reports that the regularly capped Germany U21 international personally believes that his future lies in Mainz. Journalists Oliver Hartmann and Theimo Müller of Germany's Kicker Magazine claim that Krauß wishes to join Bo Svensson's Rheinhessen and has already made a commitment to the club.
After loaning Krauß out twice (to Nürnberg and Schalke), Leipzig are open to finalizing a permanent sale. The transfer fee may nevertheless cause negotiations to drag out a bit. Mainz are, per the Kicker journalists, looking to settle on the €3-4 million purchase price Krauß had built into his Schalke loan deal. The German Red Bulls may want more.
After a largely successful season with Schalke (32 appearances and two goals), Krauß' estimated market worth has shot up to €7 million in the latest transfermarkt update. Mainz may have to organize some outgoing sales before investing more money in Krauß. Another loan could possibly be organized as Krauß remains under contract with RB through 2025.