Borussia Mönchengladbach have reached an agreement to sign goalkeeper Daniel Batz from Bundesliga rivals Mainz 05 on a free transfer this summer. According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, the deal is now complete, with the 35-year-old veteran having already undergone a medical with the Rhineland club. Batz is expected to sign a contract with Gladbach imminently.
The move comes after Gladbach secured their Bundesliga status for next season with a victory on the final day. The club has moved to add experienced cover to their goalkeeping department, with Batz set to join once his contract with Mainz expires. The reported terms are a contract until 2028, with an option for a further year.
Batz has spent the last four seasons with Mainz, largely serving as a backup to first-choice Robin Zentner. This season, however, he was called into significant action following an injury to Zentner, making 20 appearances in the Bundesliga and keeping three clean sheets. His performances provided stability during a challenging campaign for Mainz, who narrowly avoided relegation.
For Gladbach, the acquisition addresses a need for a reliable, seasoned goalkeeper to compete with and provide depth behind current number one Jonas Omlin. The Swiss international has had his own injury concerns, and Batz's arrival offers manager Gerardo Seoane a proven Bundesliga option. His experience and status as a free agent make this a low-risk, pragmatic signing for a club looking to solidify its squad ahead of the new season.
The transfer represents a sensible next step for Batz, who will remain in the Bundesliga and join a club with ambitions of climbing the table after a season of struggle. For Mainz, his departure was anticipated with his contract concluding, and they are expected to move forward with Zentner as their established starter. Batz's move across the Rhineland is a straightforward piece of business for both clubs as they plan for the 2024/25 campaign.
