Andreas Hanche-Olsen trained with his new teammates for the first time on Friday morning. The 25-year-old centre-back could make his first appearance for Mainz on Saturday in the friendly against TSG Hoffenheim. The Zerofivers are looking forward to watching a player in action who has all the qualities the team need.
Mainz’s Instagram post to announce the transfer not only saw a number of comments from Zerofivers, but also from KAA Gent fans. Hanche-Olsen spent just over two years there and won the Belgian Cup with them. He also played in the Europa League and the Conference League for the Belgians. Comments from their fans included “our best defender,” “a player with fighting spirit,” and “your grit and perseverance will be sorely missed.”
“An ideal player for Mainz 05”
Those are just some of the attributes that meant Mainz were already looking at the Norwegian last summer. “Andreas can help us straight away with his strength and stamina and also his experience, but he is also a player for Mainz 05 in the future,” said sporting director Martin Schmidt. Head coach Bo Svensson added: “He’s at his peak age, he’s physical, quick and strong – a centre-back who defends his own goal.”
Key player even in his youth
Hanche-Olsen was born on 17th January 1997 near the capital of Norway, Oslo. His football career began at Øvrevoll Hosle IL, before he moved to the academy of Stabæk IF. The defender’s professional debut in the top flight came aged 19 in July 2016 against Lillestrøm SK. He quickly became a key figure at Stabæk and went on to play 127 games for them.
The next step in his career saw him sign for Gent, where he was also a regular in the side. The 25-year-old featured 107 times in total for the Buffalos. His performances in Belgium earned him a call up to the national team, and he has since played 14 times for his country after debuting in November 2020.
His dream of the Bundesliga
Hanche-Olsen’s move to Mainz has seen him fulfil “his dream of playing in the Bundesliga.” He feels that the club is the right step for him because “of the high intensity and a passionate fan base.” The Norwegian is now excited to get to know his teammates better and to integrate into the squad.
Andreas Hanche-Olsen trained with his new teammates for the first time on Friday morning. The 25-year-old centre-back could make his first appearance for Mainz on Saturday in the friendly against TSG Hoffenheim. The Zerofivers are looking forward to watching a player in action who has all the qualities the team need.
Mainz’s Instagram post to announce the transfer not only saw a number of comments from Zerofivers, but also from KAA Gent fans. Hanche-Olsen spent just over two years there and won the Belgian Cup with them. He also played in the Europa League and the Conference League for the Belgians. Comments from their fans included “our best defender,” “a player with fighting spirit,” and “your grit and perseverance will be sorely missed.”
“An ideal player for Mainz 05”
Those are just some of the attributes that meant Mainz were already looking at the Norwegian last summer. “Andreas can help us straight away with his strength and stamina and also his experience, but he is also a player for Mainz 05 in the future,” said sporting director Martin Schmidt. Head coach Bo Svensson added: “He’s at his peak age, he’s physical, quick and strong – a centre-back who defends his own goal.”
Key player even in his youth
Hanche-Olsen was born on 17th January 1997 near the capital of Norway, Oslo. His football career began at Øvrevoll Hosle IL, before he moved to the academy of Stabæk IF. The defender’s professional debut in the top flight came aged 19 in July 2016 against Lillestrøm SK. He quickly became a key figure at Stabæk and went on to play 127 games for them.
The next step in his career saw him sign for Gent, where he was also a regular in the side. The 25-year-old featured 107 times in total for the Buffalos. His performances in Belgium earned him a call up to the national team, and he has since played 14 times for his country after debuting in November 2020.
His dream of the Bundesliga
Hanche-Olsen’s move to Mainz has seen him fulfil “his dream of playing in the Bundesliga.” He feels that the club is the right step for him because “of the high intensity and a passionate fan base.” The Norwegian is now excited to get to know his teammates better and to integrate into the squad.