Mainz trying to hijack Hoffenheim’s move for Hertha Berlin striker Haris Tabakovic | OneFootball

Sky Germany reports that Mainz are trying to hijack Hoffenheim’s move for Hertha Berlin striker Haris Tabakovic despite the deal nearing completion.

Mainz have already made offers for the Bosnian forward who is close to joining Hoffenheim for a reported fee of around €4-5m as they look to replace the goals of Wout Weghorst and Maximilian Beier.

Hoffenheim wishes to announce the deal soon as the 30-year-old has already completed his medical at the club as well ahead of the proposed move. Hoffenheim have already had terrible luck with moves this summer, especially for centre-backs as they have tried to sign three different central defenders but all moves have collapsed at some point.

Mainz’s move for Tabakovic could be seen as the same reason as Hoffenheim’s. Mainz likely trusts Nelson Weiper to have a bigger role in the first team this season but they do not want to be so reliant on the youngster, similar to Hoffenheim and Max Moerstadt. Tabakovic would provide a reliable stopgap until either are ready for regular first-team football.

For Hertha, with the injury and reported interest in Fabian Reese, losing Tabakovic is a big blow especially as he was their top scorer with 22 goals last season in their first season back in the 2.Bundesliga. Hertha’s issue is that they are reliant on money coming in from player sales so their hands are tied when a good offer arrives for one of their players.

GGFN | Jack Meenan