German Bundesliga club 1. FSV Mainz 05 have loaned forward Nelson Weiper to Austrian side Sturm Graz, the club confirmed on Tuesday. The move is intended to provide the 21-year-old with regular first-team football and a chance to rediscover his form.
The past season proved disappointing for Weiper, despite making 24 Bundesliga appearances for Mainz, he started only eleven games and failed to score. Both the club and player were reportedly dissatisfied with his development, despite him being considered a promising talent within the Mainz academy for several years. Weiper joined the 05ers at the age of seven and progressed through all youth levels.
Weiper signed his first professional contract in March 2022 and made his Bundesliga debut the following October. While he has shown glimpses of potential, a consistent breakthrough has eluded him. A successful Under-21 European Championship campaign in 2025, where he scored four goals, briefly raised expectations, but disagreements over a contract extension followed. He was briefly demoted to the U23 team before returning to the first team and signing a new contract until 2029.
Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert stated that the opportunity for regular starts was the deciding factor in the loan move to Graz. Competition for a starting position in Mainz is fierce with Phillip Tietz, William Boving, and new signing Königsdörffer all vying for a place in the attack. The loan is designed to prevent Weiper from experiencing another frustrating season.
Sturm Graz presents a challenging and attractive opportunity for Weiper. The club has established itself as a top team in Austria, winning the domestic double in 2024 and the league title in 2025, finishing second last season. They are currently competing in Champions League qualifying, facing Heart of Midlothian on Tuesday evening. Weiper has previous European experience with Mainz in the Conference League and is expected to contribute with his “size, physicality and presence in the penalty area.”
The move is being viewed as a potential parallel to the career trajectory of Fisnik Asllani, who also benefited from a loan spell to gain experience and develop before becoming a successful player. Asllani is now reportedly close to a move to RB Leipzig, with interest also from Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona. The hope is that Weiper’s loan will prove to be a win-win-win situation for all parties, allowing him to return to Mainz strengthened and ready to make a significant impact.
