Maloney to Mainz... in the Summer?

Midfielder to Join Bundesliga Squad on a Free Transfer when His Contract Expires

Lennard Maloney's time at FC Heidenheim appears to be drawing to a close, with the US midfielder reportedly agreeing to join FSV Mainz 05 when his contract expires this summer. The 25-year-old was notably absent from Heidenheim's squad during their recent 2-0 victory over Union Berlin, fueling speculation about his immediate future.

While several clubs including Birmingham City and PAOK Thessaloniki had expressed interest in Maloney, the twice-capped USMNT player has chosen Mainz as his next destination. Despite the possibility of securing a transfer fee this winter, Heidenheim seems prepared to let Maloney's contract run its course.

Heidenheim has already begun preparing for life after Maloney, securing Jan Schöppner to a long-term contract extension. The club has also strengthened its squad this winter with the arrival of Frans Krätzig on loan from Bayern Munich, who made an immediate impact by scoring in the victory over Union Berlin.

At Mainz, Maloney could potentially fill a crucial role in the midfield, particularly if current starter Nadiem Amiri departs as rumored. The Rhineland-Palatinate club currently deploys a midfield partnership of Amiri and Kaishu Sano, suggesting Maloney could slot in as a direct replacement should Amiri move on in the summer.