Holtby makes Mainz loan switch

(GSM) – Germany U21 international Lewis Holtby has agreed to join Mainz 05 on a season-long loan next season.

The 19-year-old will make the move from Bundesliga rivals Schalke 04, after failing to break into first-team on a regular basis.

In the second half of the 2009/10 campaign, he was loaned out to VfL Bochum enabling him to gain invaluable experience.

Holtby was due to remain with Bochum for the next 12 months, but the deal he penned did not take into account relegation.

As a result, he returned to Schalke at the end of last term and will instead be heading off to Mainz in 2010/11.

“Lewis Holtby fits perfectly in our system and can play across the board in the attacking midfield,” said Mainz general manager Christian Heidel.

“We have been trying to get him since day one after the end of the season and are very happy that Lewis has decided to join Mainz.”

Holtby, who knows his chances of playing for Schalke would have been limited again next season, believes Mainz is just the right club to help him develop.

“I am convinced that I fit in well with this club,” he said on the Mainz official website.

“Mainz have a very good coach in Thomas Tuchel and he has already shown how well he works with young players.

“I am looking forward to playing my part in ensuring Mainz repeat what was a very good season in the next year.”