Transfer Stalemate and Draws Intensify German Football Relegation Battles

Dynamo Dresden and FSV Mainz 05 continue to face significant challenges in their respective relegation fights in German football as of January 2026. Dynamo Dresden, rooted at the bottom of the 2. Bundesliga, prepares for a crucial relegation clash against Greuther Fürth on Saturday. The team’s struggle to strengthen its defense is compounded by the ongoing transfer saga of defender Andi Hoti. Although Hoti expressed a desire to remain in Dresden after his loan from 1. FC Magdeburg, the deal remains stalled. Despite a written purchase offer from Dynamo, Magdeburg’s sporting director Otmar Schork has stubbornly rejected the transfer, leaving Hoti sidelined and increasing questions about Magdeburg’s motivations during this critical phase of the season.

Meanwhile, FSV Mainz 05 fought to a 2-2 draw against Union Berlin in the Bundesliga, failing to secure the win that could have lifted them from the bottom of the league. After taking a 2-0 lead with goals from Nadiem Amiri and Benedict Hollerbach—the latter scoring his first league goal of the season—Mainz’s performance faltered in the final quarter. Coach Urs Fischer highlighted the missed opportunity to clinch the match by not scoring a third goal, which led to a passive approach in the latter stages and allowed Union to equalize. Mainz remains three points behind 1. FC Heidenheim, underscoring the precariousness of their survival hopes.

Both teams face mounting pressure to resolve on-pitch performance and off-pitch transfer issues as the battle against relegation intensifies in Germany’s top two leagues.