Rael Nakuzola Signs Professional Contract

Rael Nakuzola has signed his first professional contract with 1. FSV Mainz 05. The 19-year-old left-back joined Mainz from Rot-Weiss Essen in the summer, initially linking up with the club's U23 side, the highest level of Mainz's youth development setup.

Mainz 05 sporting director Niko Bungert said: "Rael made the most of his opportunity to impress during pre-season, showing plenty of commitment and courage. We are now rewarding the positive progress he has made since initially joining our U23s from Rot-Weiss Essen with a professional contract. We are convinced that his attitude and footballing ability give him everything he needs to earn more opportunities in the Bundesliga."

Rael Nakuzola said: "I'm incredibly proud and happy to have signed my first professional contract with Mainz 05. Everything has happened pretty quickly. I have the opportunity to learn so much here every single day. My goal is to keep improving and get as many minutes on the pitch as possible. I'm grateful to everyone at Mainz for the trust they've placed in me, and I'm really looking forward to the challenges ahead."