Mainz Looking to Hijack Leicester Striker Target

Mainz Looking to Hijack Leicester Striker Target

It has emerged this morning that Mainz have submitted a bid of €3m to Sturm Graz for Leicester target William Bøving according to Peter O'Rourke The young forward has been on Leicester's radar since yesterday as reported by Football Park, with many other Championship sides keen on the 22 year old.

The forward has impressed during his time at Sturm Graz with over 15 goals and assists in 30 appearances last season, it is clear why many clubs have been in direct contact with the Australian Bundesliga side about a potential move. This would come as a huge blow to Leicester if they were to miss out on Bøving as The Foxes have been very quiet so far this window with their only incomings being free transfers to date.

🚨🔴⚪️ Mainz 05 are pushing to sign William #Bøving from Sturm Graz.

An initial offer was submitted yesterday evening but was rejected. It was €2.5 million, while Graz are asking for more than €3 million for the 22-year-old forward.

Mainz want Bøving following Benedikt… pic.twitter.com/sMSLVEYrS1

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 29, 2025

Crunch Time for Leciester

With deadline day on Monday, Leciester are in need of signings fast to help new manager Cifuentes side push for a promotion place. They have accumulated significant funds in the market through depatures of James Justin to Leeds, Mads Hermansen to West Ham and Kasey Mcateer to Ipswich. The frustration builds for the fans at The King Power as it looks like their other striker target Milhalio Ivanović has his sights set on a move to Italian side Parma.

With the departure of Jamie Vardy this summer, a replacement seems critical for Leicester this season. The promotion bid is being hampered by their lack of activity in the market to date and if Mainz were to beat them to Bøving's signature it would be another blow as they embark on their first season back in the Championship for twelve years. With their league rivals making valuable additions to their sides, it's imperative that the former Premier League champions can get players through the door before Mondays deadline.

BREAKING: Jamie Vardy is to leave Leicester City after 13 years at the club 🚨🔵 pic.twitter.com/6ClXxCzWxc

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 24, 2025

Bøving has European Pedigree

Bøving has experience of playing European football, despite his young age. He featured last season in the Champions League for Sturm Graz scoring 2 goals against Brest and Lille respectively. The man from Denmark developed through Copenhagen's youth system and has started to flourish under the lights of the Merkur Arena since making the switch in 2022. He can also be deployed as a left winger or behind the main striker with his best position leading the line himself. It's one to keep an eye on as Mainz seek to replace the goals of Jonathan Burkardt from last campaign.

William Bøving - Austrian Bundesliga 24/25:

☑️28 games
⚽️10 goals
🅰️5 assists

The best season of his career so far for the 22-year-old versatile Sturm Graz attacker! ⚫️⚪️🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/0Tyzd5NbuY

— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) May 12, 2025