SC Paderborn 07 could lose its promotion hero Laurin Curda this summer – Sky reports that Mainz 05 is in advanced talks with the 24‑year‑old right‑winger.

Why was Curda so important for Paderborn?

Laurin Curda logged 3,199 minutes in the 2025/26 season – the most of any field player at the club. In 32 appearances he scored seven goals and provided eight assists, making him the fourth‑top scorer. He captained the side on the final two matchdays and in the relegation playoff, and his 100th‑minute winner in the second leg against VfL Wolfsburg secured a 2‑1 victory that clinched promotion.

Which departures has Paderborn already recorded?

Before Curda, the club said goodbye to three other key figures: Dennis Seimen returned on loan to VfB Stuttgart, Calvin Brackelmann moved permanently to FC Augsburg and Filip Bilbija left after his contract expired. These exits have already complicated squad planning for the upcoming 2. Bundesliga campaign.

What is Curda’s market value and what does it mean for the sale?

His market value rose from €800,000 to roughly €3 million during the season. A transfer at that level would place him among the five most expensive sales in SC Paderborn 07’s history. Mainz 05 would therefore need to be prepared to meet a mid‑single‑digit‑million euro fee to secure the winger.

What could Curda bring to Mainz 05?

Mainz 05 is looking for a more attacking option on the right side of its five‑man back line – a profile currently missing from the squad. Right‑back captain Silvan Widmer (33) and Anthony Caci (29) split minutes there now. Curda could slot straight in as a starter and also free up the left side if the Frenchman Anthony Caci shifts left, supporting Philipp Mwene (32).

What’s next after the negotiations?

Sky does not give exact details on the negotiation stage, but the mention of “advanced talks” suggests a deal could be signed within weeks. For SC Paderborn 07 this means finding a replacement quickly to fill the right‑wing gap and keep the pre‑season on track.