Mainz 05 have confirmed their first summer signing. SK Sturm Graz centre-back Konstantin Schopp joins the Rheinhessen on a free transfer. The 19-year-old attempts to follow in the footsteps of his father Markus Schopp, who moved to the Bundesliga from Graz and ultimately became a 56-times-capped Austrian international.
The younger Schopp mostly featured for the Sturm Graz reserves last season, but commemorated several personal milestones. Schopp made brief relief appearances for his club’s first team in the Austrian top flight and the Champions League. He also earned his first cap as an Austrian U21 international.
Mainz had been courting the teenager for quite some time. Schopp currently maintains an estimated market value of €400,000.
“Konstantin Schopp is a highly talented center back who has all the physical and technical qualities required of a Bundesliga defender,” FSV sporting director Nico Bungert noted in a club statement. “We want to support and encourage him on this path and give him the time he needs to develop further. Konstantin’s potential has caught the attention of several clubs. We are delighted that we were able to convince him to take the next step in his career with Mainz 05.“
”I am very happy about the opportunity I’m receiving here in Mainz,” the player himself aded. “I had very good talks with the people in charge. The club is known for developing young players, and many Austrians have also taken successful steps here. That made the decision easy for me. I’m really looking forward to the new season and getting to know the club, the fans, and the great atmosphere in the MEWA ARENA.”
GGFN | Peter Weis
