German Bundesliga club FSV Mainz 05, just like every other club on the planet, would love to have Erling Haaland playing for them. But, Manchester United have snapped the big striker up, leaving the others to find alternative solutions. So what have Mainz done? They signed Erling’s buddy who plays in defence!Joking aside, Mainz 05, fondly referred to as the Carnival Club in Germany, reached an agreement with Belgian side KAA Gent to bring the 25-year-old defender Andreas Hanche-Olsen to the Mewa Arena for €2.5 million.”It was my goal and a dream to play in the Bundesliga. The move to Mainz is the perfect step for me because the club has everything that appeals to me about a footballer. A high level of intensity in the game and a passionate fan base. I am excited to learn everything about the club and look forward to becoming part of this team.”##NAJAVA_MECA_6945079##The strong centre-back played 107 games for the Belgian team since joining them from Norviedian top-tier side Stabaek in 2020. Hanche-Olsen has 14 international matches for Norway.FSV head coach Bo Svensson confirmed they had been scouting Hanche-Olsen for quite some time. The club announced that the new player had signed a “long-term deal”.”With Andreas, we were again lucky to sign a player whom we wanted and who also wanted to come to Mainz. He is a Norwegian international in his footballing prime. He’s physically strong and fast. Additionally, Andreas is a real leader-type who has served as a captain in Norway at a young age.”Welcome to #Mainz05, Andreas Hanche-Olsen! 👋The 25-year-old central defender is arriving from @KAAGent and has signed a long-term deal with FSV! 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/gW48cDKjkJ— Mainz 05 English (@Mainz05en) January 13, 2023 Mainz is in tenth place in the Bundesliga after the first 15 matchdays. The season in Germany resumes on 21 January.
