BERLIN, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Mainz 05 has signed Austria international defender Stefan Posch from Italian club Como after triggering a permanent move following his loan spell, the Bundesliga club announced on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old center back joined Mainz on loan in January and established himself as a regular in the second half of last season. The club did not disclose the transfer fee or the length of his contract.
"Posch came to us last winter to put himself in contention for the World Cup with Austria and helped us straight away," Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert said.
"Stefan integrated extremely quickly and immediately made us better. He is a versatile player with plenty of Bundesliga and international experience. What he is capable of and how important he can be for Mainz has been evident over the past six months."
Posch said he felt at home almost immediately after arriving in Mainz.
"Even though the sporting situation was difficult when I arrived in the winter, I realized that Mainz 05 suited me perfectly," he said. "It just clicked immediately. I am very happy to remain part of this team, and I am really looking forward to the new season."
Posch started all 16 of Mainz's Bundesliga matches after joining midway through the campaign and scored twice in the UEFA Conference League as the club secured European football for this season.
After moving to Germany in 2015, Posch made more than 150 Bundesliga appearances for Hoffenheim and Mainz and also spent two seasons with Bologna before joining Como. He has 56 caps for Austria and started all four of the team's matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mainz opens its competitive campaign in the first round of the German Cup later this month before beginning its Bundesliga season at home against promoted Paderborn. ■
