Confirmed: Mainz finalize lucrative sale of Ajorque

The loan arrangement that sent French striker Ludovic Ajorque back to his native country – it has been confirmed – contained a purchase obligation that has already been met. Speaking to the “Mainzer Allgemeine Zeitung”, FSV Mainz 05 sporting CEO Christian Heidel confirmed that the 30-year-old will be moving to Stade Brest on a permanent basis. Since returning to Ligue 1, Ajorque has started three fixtures and scored once. 

“It was the wish of the receiving club to initially make a loan with an option to buy,” the 61-year-old administrator told the paper, “This would become binding under certain circumstances. In Ludo’s case, the conditions for a purchase obligation have already been met.”

Germany’s preeminent footballing publication, Kicker Magazine, reports that Mainz will receive the amount initially rumored when a potential sale of Ajorque was initially reported. The Palatinate club pocketed a €2 million loan fee for their player. An additional €2 million is now due as part of the sale. Kicker also claims that Ajorque can earn the Rheinhessen €1 million more in performance bonuses.

There’s even, per Kicker, a re-sale clause that can help Mainz profit even more should Brest sell Ajorque in the next two years. After having reportedly paid €3 million to sign Frenchman in the January 2023 transfer window, the Pfälzer have turned a handsome profit on the veteran following his first stint playing abroad.