“Mainz was always my number one choice”

Shortly before the end of the transfer window, the 05ers made one final move in the market, signing another attacking player in Danish striker William Bøving. The 22-year-old joined from Austrian side Sturm Graz and has been in training with the rest of the team since Monday. Bøving himself is excited to get started on Saturday with the home game against Leipzig: “I’m ready and can hardly wait to take part in my first game for Mainz. Whether I get out on the pitch or not though is up to the coach,” said the Dane about his potential first involvement for FSV, during his first media session as a 05er. “I have watched a few games, including some from last season, and I can see how I would fit into this system. Mainz play direct, attacking and high pressing football, which fits my strengths,” said Bøving, who cites the team’s style of play as one of the main reasons he joined the club.

Despite their shared heritage, Bøving and boss Bo Henriksen’s paths hadn’t previously crossed. However, the coach had already made an impression on the 22-year-old from afar: “We spoke a few times on the phone, which was my first contact with him. He’s got a lot of energy that he passes on to the team during training. We both come from Denmark and speak the same language, which obviously influenced my decision to come here slightly.” Nevertheless, Bøving is looking to improve his German and build upon his existing knowledge from his time in Austria. “I understand pretty much everything, but I need to learn to speak more fluently. Sometimes I can’t think of one or two words and I then struggle to properly express myself.”

“The right time to take the next step”

The Dane is especially looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere inside the MEWA ARENA, something that has already impressed him: “I have seen a couple of photos and videos - the atmosphere seems unbelievable and it’s almost always sold out. I’m really looking forward to getting out onto the pitch and experiencing it for myself.” Bøving will bolster Mainz’s attacking options, particularly with his versatility: “I’ve always been a striker, but I did play on both the left and right wing in Copenhagen. I was also used as an eight, a ten, or an out-and-out striker at Sturm Graz. I can be flexible,” said Bøving on his favourite position.

Other top European clubs as well as Mainz were looking at the 22-year-old this transfer window, but in the end, Bøving had no doubts about where he wanted to move to. “Mainz was always my number one choice. There were other clubs who offered me opportunities to go and play for them, however the conversations I had with the management and the footballing philosophy that they presented me with made me realise that this club was the one that fit me best.” Mainz also offered him the best next step in his career: “The move is brilliant for me to develop even further as a player. I played in Austria for three years and now is the right time to take that next step.”

From Denmark to Germany via Austria

Born in Copenhagen, Bøving’s footballing journey started with his hometown club FCK, having come through their youth academy. In the 2021/22 season, the Dane became an official part of their first-team squad before making the move to the Austrian Bundesliga a year later. Away from football, he always has the support of those around him: “My family have helped me across every stage of my career and are of course pleased that I can continue my journey here. They’ll definitely be at one or two games.” The first test for Bøving in a Mainz kit comes on Saturday (13th September, 15:30 CEST) against Leipzig at the sold out MEWA ARENA.