Mainz boss Bungert clarifies decision to sell Gruda to Brighton

"We decided that the sum has to be sufficient to fund several long-term projects. This includes the construction of a new office," Bungert explained to Kicker. "Our goal is to generate a transfer surplus to address infrastructural challenges as well."

"This principle has made us an economically healthy club for decades. But we also used a good portion of the sum to bring in three more reinforcements. "

He also said: "We will not be able to replace Brajan or Sepp (van den Berg), who each moved to or within England for 30 million euros, one-to-one. We are bringing in players with great potential who can develop. Sepp and Brajan were also nowhere near the level they were at when they left us a year ago."