BERLIN – Union Berlin will face the next Bundesliga season without its chief attacking asset, as Benedict Hollerbach has been transferred to another Bundesliga club, Mainz. Announced on Sunday by Union Berlin, Hollerbach departs after participating in 65 competitive fixtures for the team located in Köpenick. It has been speculated by Kicker magazine that Mainz has agreed to a transfer fee of 10 million euros ($11.4 million) for the 23-year-old striker.
Mainz revealed that Hollerbach has been signed on a four-year contract, marking their second acquisition of the off-season, following the enlistment of Austrian defender Konstantin Schopp from Sturm Graz, which was confirmed just a day prior. During his time with Union, Hollerbach netted an impressive 14 goals over 62 league encounters, nine of which were scored in the previous season, significantly contributing to the team’s continued presence in the Bundesliga. As the leading scorer, he also managed to assist four goals, proving crucial to a squad that often struggled to generate scoring opportunities in his absence.
“Benedict consistently evolved while with us and maintained unwavering commitment to the club,” stated Horst Heldt, Union’s sporting director, reflecting on Hollerbach’s contributions.
Hollerbach began his journey with Stuttgart in 2019, following a five-year development stint with Bayern Munich, before progressing to third-tier Wehen Wiesbaden, which he notably helped secure a promotion in 2023. In light of the transfer, Union Berlin is reportedly considering utilizing part of the sale proceeds to secure Serbian forward Andrej Ili? on a permanent basis from Lille. Ili? delivered commendable performances by scoring seven goals in 16 Bundesliga showings last season. Additionally, Union is keen on finalizing the acquisition of promising 20-year-old striker Ilyas Ansah from second-division Paderborn, with a conclusion expected by the next week.