Becker to stay at Mainz

Winter signing Sheraldo Becker will remain with 1. FSV Mainz 05 beyond the end of the current season. After the 05ers secured Bundesliga survival, an obligation to buy was triggered for the 31-year-old Dutch forward of Surinamese heritage, who initially joined on loan from Spanish LaLiga club CA Osasuna.

Mainz 05 sporting director Niko Bungert said: “Sheraldo joined us just before the winter transfer window closed and settled in brilliantly straight away. Now that we’ve stayed in the league, it’s clear that he will remain a Mainz 05 player. We’re delighted that Sheraldo will continue to be part of our squad as an experienced, quick forward with an eye for goal. Beyond his many goal contributions, he has already shown in the second half of the season that he can really help us.”

Sheraldo Becker said: “I’m really looking forward to staying in Mainz beyond this season. The team have made me feel very welcome – I already knew Urs Fischer and some of the coaching staff from Berlin. The city, the club, everyone around the club and above all the fans live the kind of passion for football that matters to me. Everything already feels very familiar. Who knows where this journey together can take us.”