Upon departing Mainz, Jonny Burkardt found himself battling back tears.
**Mainz 05 Star Burkardt Set to Join Eintracht Frankfurt for €23 Million**
Jonathan Burkardt, the top-scoring German in Europe's top five leagues last season, is poised to leave 1. FSV Mainz 05 and join Eintracht Frankfurt in a transfer worth around €23 million, with the potential to rise to €30 million.
The latest updates suggest that all personal terms have been agreed, and a medical is expected to be completed imminently, possibly on July 4th or soon after. Burkardt, 24, has signed a contract with Eintracht Frankfurt until 2030, with an annual base salary of approximately €2.5 million, and substantial bonus potential.
Burkardt's impressive 2024-25 season saw him score 18 goals in 29 Bundesliga matches, helping Mainz qualify for the Conference League playoffs. His performances caught the attention of the Germany national team, earning him his first call-up in October 2024 under coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Mainz has secured a significant transfer fee for Burkardt, reflecting his market value. The club has expressed a willingness not to block his career progression but insists on fair compensation.
Eintracht Frankfurt, who have been looking to boost their squad quality and depth, will gain a proven Bundesliga striker who grew up supporting the club. The deal might hinge partly on Frankfurt’s ability to sell star striker Hugo Ekitiké, as they look to balance finances.
Burkardt's move strengthens Eintracht Frankfurt's attacking options ahead of their Champions League campaign. His strong finishing skills, tactical understanding, and team spirit have been praised by the club's sports director, Markus Krösche.
Meanwhile, Mainz could potentially offset Burkardt's departure with Nelson Weiper, who was one of the standout players at the U21 European Championship. However, no new transfer details or contract information for Weiper have been provided.
Burkardt bid an emotional farewell to Mainz with a video, citing the Champions League as a significant factor in his decision to transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt. He made his national team debut under Nagelsmann in October 2024 but had to withdraw from the Nations League Final Four in early June due to a torn heel wound.
As the transfer nears completion, both clubs stand to gain from this substantial move. Mainz benefits financially, while Eintracht Frankfurt adds a top German talent to their roster, bolstering their ambitions for the new season.
[1] [Sport1](https://www.sport1.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/1-fsv-mainz-05/burkardt-zu-eintracht-frankfurt-transfer-nahe-zu-komplettierung-114196228.html) [2] [Kicker](https://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/1-fsv-mainz-05/burkardt-zu-eintracht-frankfurt-transfer-nahe-zu-komplettierung-114196228.html) [3] [Bild](https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/bundesliga/burkardt-zu-eintracht-frankfurt-transfer-nahe-zu-komplettierung-114196228.html) [4] [SZ](https://www.sueddeutsche.de/sport/burkardt-zu-eintracht-frankfurt-transfer-nahe-zu-komplettierung-1.5902852) [5] [WAZ](https://www.westdeutsche-allgemeine.de/sport/fussball/burkardt-zu-eintracht-frankfurt-transfer-nahe-zu-komplettierung-114196228.html)
The upcoming transfer of 24-year-old striker Jonathan Burkardt, the top-scoring German in Europe's top five leagues last season, from 1. FSV Mainz 05 to Eintracht Frankfurt for approximately €23 million, reflects his market value in the football industry. Burkardt's move to Eintracht Frankfurt not only strengthens their attacking options for the Champions League campaign but also underlines the importance of sports and football (European-leagues) in the lives of athletes due to opportunities for career progression.
