After the end of his loan to Hertha BSC and his facial surgery, Aymen Barkok has been training individually at Mainz 05 for three weeks. The 26-year-old midfielder wants to recommend himself to coach Bo Henriksen because there is a need for a defensive midfielder after Leandro Barreiro's departure to Benfica Lisbon. However, Mainz is also exploring external solutions, including Kaishu Sano from Kashima Antlers. According to kicker information, VfL Bochum has shown interest in the midfielder, but a deal is not yet in sight.