Mainz have confirmed the signing of centre-back Andreas Hanche-Olsen from KAA Gent in Belgium. The 25-year-old moves for a reported €2.5m.
On his move to the Bundesliga, Hanche Olsen said: “It was my goal and dream to play in the Bundesliga. The switch to Mainz is the perfect next step for me as the club has everything that attracts me to football: high levels of intensity, a unique style of football and a passionate fanbase. I’m excited to get to know everything and looking forward to becoming a part of this team.”
Mainz coach Bo Svensson provided an explanation for why they sign Hanche-Olsen: “With Andreas Hanche-Olsen, we are once again in the fortunate position to be able to sign a player that we absolutely always wanted and that also truly wants to join Mainz 05. He is a Norway international at a peak age, physically strong and quick – a centre-back who absolutely defines himself by how he defends his own goal. Andreas is also a leader; he took on the role of Norway captain from a young age and will bring a great mentality with him. His profile from both a sporting perspective as well as in his personality fits our team brilliantly.”
Hanche-Olsen joined Gent in 2020 from Stabæk in Norway and played 105 games. During this time he was able to earn a call-up to the Norway national team and has made 14 appearances since.
The centre-back adds much needed depth to the Mainz defence with Maxim Leitsch’s full return to action still being unknown since he began his break from football.
Mainz are currently 10th in the table and have struggled for consistency, winning just two games between the beginning of September and the World Cup break.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
