Mainz 05 have firmly stated their intention to retain Kacper Potulski, dismissing speculation linking the 18-year-old centre-back with moves to clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle United. Sporting director Christian Heidel confirmed to Bild that the club is not considering a sale of the promising defender this summer.
Potulski broke into the Mainz first team last season, making several appearances for Die Nullfünfer. Heidel indicated that the club expects Potulski to now become a regular starter, playing a more significant role in the upcoming Bundesliga campaign. The player’s development is clearly a priority for Mainz, who see him as a key component of their future plans.
The defender signed a long-term contract with Mainz in 2028, demonstrating the club’s commitment to him and providing them with a strong negotiating position should other clubs revisit their interest in the future. This new contract also reflects Potulski’s own desire to continue his development within the Mainz setup.
Leverkusen, who are rebuilding their squad under Xabi Alonso, were reportedly interested in bolstering their defensive options with the young Polish defender. Newcastle United, continuing their investment under new ownership, also saw Potulski as a potential addition to their squad. However, Mainz’s resolute stance appears to have ended any immediate prospect of a transfer.
Heidel’s comments leave little room for doubt regarding Potulski’s future, emphasizing that the “fairytale is not over yet” and that he “will not leave” the club. This firm stance signals Mainz’s ambition to build around emerging talents and resist the temptation to cash in on promising players, even amidst interest from larger European clubs. Potulski’s continued presence provides stability and potential for growth within the Mainz squad.
