Mainz are nearing agreement on contract extensions with experienced defenders Stefan Bell and Silvan Widmer, according to reports from Kicker and Sky Sports. The potential deals come as the club said goodbye to several departing players at their final home match of the season, but notably did not include either Bell or Widmer, suggesting positive progress in negotiations.
Goalkeeper Daniel Batz, who is set to join Borussia Mönchengladbach, Maxim Leitsch, Niklas Tauer, and Armindo Sieb were all farewelled by Mainz on Sunday, but discussions with Bell and Widmer are reportedly in their final stages. News of the contract talks emerged only last week, indicating a swift resolution is anticipated.
Ingo Haspel, Bell’s advisor, described the negotiations as “very good conversations with great mutual appreciation” on Sunday, offering further confirmation of the positive outlook. The 34-year-old center-back has been a mainstay at Mainz since 2007, with brief loan spells at 1860 Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt representing the only periods away from the club.
Widmer, a 33-year-old fullback, has regained prominence within the team since the appointment of Urs Fischer as head coach. He has become a key figure in Fischer’s plans, solidifying his position as a regular starter. The extensions of both players would provide continuity and experience to the Mainz squad as they look to build for the future.
Securing the futures of Bell and Widmer represents a significant boost for Mainz, retaining two experienced professionals who understand the club’s culture and contribute on and off the pitch.
