Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are among several Bundesliga clubs monitoring FSV Mainz 05 defender Kacper Potulski, according to former Schalke 04 player Tomasz Hajto. The Polish pundit revealed the interest, citing his contacts within the game, and suggested the 20-year-old could command a significant future transfer fee.
Hajto, speaking to the Allgemeine Zeitung, stated that Potulski possesses considerable potential. "I see very great potential in Kacper Potulski," Hajto said. "Mainz could one day earn €30 million for him, but he needs to play. According to my contacts, several teams in Germany already have him on their radar – like Leverkusen and Dortmund. But clubs from England and Italy are also interested." The comments place the young Polish defender firmly on the radar of some of the Bundesliga's top clubs.
The reported interest comes at a time when Potulski's playing time has diminished. After breaking into the first-team picture earlier this season, he has been an unused substitute in Mainz's last four matches. Hajto expressed confusion over this development, pointing to the player's previous performances. "Kacper has always taken his chances and played strong games," Hajto said. "He came on in Hoffenheim and performed excellently. I don’t understand why he has not been involved since."
Hajto also issued a warning to Mainz regarding the player's situation, suggesting a lack of consistent minutes could prompt Potulski to seek a move. "The boy could soon start asking why he should stay in Mainz if he plays well one week and not at all the next," Hajto said. "That is a risk." This potential for frustration underscores the delicate balance for Mainz in developing a promising talent while navigating a difficult Bundesliga season.
Despite the recent bench role, Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert recently reaffirmed the club's faith in Potulski's long-term future at the club. "Kacper is the future," Bungert said. "He has incredible quality and will feature regularly for us going forward. I am certain of that." This public backing indicates Mainz's desire to retain and build around the defender, even as external interest grows.
For Dortmund and Leverkusen, both clubs with a history of identifying and developing young talent, Potulski represents a potential defensive prospect for the future. Dortmund, in particular, has consistently integrated young players into its squad, while league leaders Leverkusen have built a formidable team under Xabi Alonso with an eye on sustainable talent. A move for Potulski would align with both clubs' recruitment strategies, though any concrete approach would likely depend on his availability and Mainz's asking price.
The situation highlights the competitive market for emerging Bundesliga talents. With Hajto's comments bringing the interest into the public domain, Mainz will face increased pressure to manage Potulski's development pathway carefully, balancing immediate squad needs with the long-term aim of either integrating him as a key player or securing a substantial fee.
