Mainz keeper Dahmen has made his decision

Must take the next step: Finn Dahmen.

IMAGO/Jan Huebner

When asked if his decision had been made, Finn Dahmen replied: “Yes, I don’t want to talk about it yet, but there will be an announcement shortly.” FC Augsburg showed great interest in the U-21 European champions of 2021 last summer, a change failed at the time due to Mainz 05’s transfer plans. Dahmen’s contract is now expiring, Augsburg has Rafal Gikiewicz at the weekend, who did not receive a new contract offer , goodbye.

Dahmen was between the posts for the first time since mid-February in Mainz’s 4-1 draw against VfB Stuttgart. He represented regular keeper Robin Zentner, who is plagued by a knee irritation. “When I walked in I had goosebumps again,” says the highly talented keeper, who only plays twelve Bundesliga games because of the competitive situation at FSV. This also led to the player and his training club agreeing early on that the contract would expire this summer. “I’m convinced that Finn will be a good number 1 in the Bundesliga,” says 05 sporting director Martin Schmidt. The FSV is now looking for a new number 3, “we trust Lasse Rieß the number 2,” said Schmidt.

However, Dahmen imagined his farewell performance after 15 years at Mainz 05 differently. With 33,305 spectators in the sold-out Mewa Arena, the crowd was good, but the 4-1 loss to Stuttgart was a big disappointment. When CEO Stefan Hofmann and Sport Director Christian Heidel gave him a bouquet of flowers after the final whistle on the pitch, “I was really frustrated.” The club has “grown incredibly dear” to him and he will miss a lot. “But it was clear that I now have to take the next step.”

The hottest trail leads to Augsburg. But Schalke 04 and Hertha BSC have also shown interest in the keeper. FCA and Schalke are in a relegation battle, Hertha has been relegated. It will probably only be confirmed after the 34th match day where Dahmen is heading.