Mainz updates: FSV sell defender Hack to Saudi outfit, Burgzorg set for Huddersfield loan
After nine years with the club, FSV Mainz defender Alexander Hack has left the Rheinhessen for Saudi club Al-Qadsiah. The Pfälzer confirmed Hack's sale on Wednesday afternoon.
In other Mainz-related transfer news, Germany's Kicker Magazine reports that FSV Mainz 05 have found a loan destination for seldom-used Dutch attacker Delano Burgzorg.
After coming up through the club's youth ranks and making his debut for the senior side in 2015, 29-year-old defender Alexander Hack will be leaving FSV Mainz 05 to join Saudi side FC Al-Qadsiah. Hack's transfer out has been rumored since the weekend, when the Memmingen-native was reported to have bade farewell to the club ultras at Mainz's opening round Pokal fixture.
In other Mainz-related transfer news, Germany's Kicker Magazine reports that FSV Mainz 05 have found a loan destination for seldom-used Dutch attacker Delano Burgzorg.
Hack departs German football having made 133 top-tier appearances and scored six goals for die Rheinhessen. He was a regular in head-coach Bo Svensson's back-three. Germany's main sporting tabloid reports that Mainz have secured a €1.5 million transfer fee for their long-time player. Club boss Christian Heidel issued a statement accompanying the departure and Hack was given a send-off on social media.
"After nine years together, there is naturally a close bond between player and club, especially with someone like Alexander Hack," Heidel said, "He is a class act and a real team player and has always stood up for his teammates. Hacki approached us with the desire to transfer - and we didn't want to put any obstacles in his way. Hacki is a Mainzer through and through, accordingly our door is always open for him. We wish him all the best from the bottom of our hearts."
"The decision to transfer was not easy for me," Hack himself added, "Of course, you think about it a lot, because a move to Saudi Arabia not only means a move to another country, but also to another culture. I've had many conversations with the people in charge and also with [current Al-Qadsiah coach] Robbie Fowler, and now I'm looking forward to this new challenge. The farewell from Mainz is a still very emotional one for me - I love the city, the club and its staff as well as the fans, have always felt like a Mainzer and will remain a Mainzer at heart in the future. Maybe our paths will cross again."
Mainz should have another departure to confirm shorty. Twenty-four-year-old Dutch attacker Delano Burgzorg has been shopped for a loan all summer. Burgzorg barely factored into Svensson's plans last season, making just 13 league appearances. The one-time €2 million transfer from Heracles Almelo remains under contract with the club until 2025, but appears set to make the switch to EFL Championship side Huddersfield Town on loan for the season.
Noch einmal in Erinnerung schwelgen und Hackis Abschiedsvideo genießen.🫶#Mainz05 https://t.co/fZgBAdvxY7
— 1. FSV Mainz 05 (@1FSVMainz05) August 16, 2023