On Tuesday evening, the transfer of 27-year-old DR Congo international forward Silas to Mainz was officially announced, ending his six-and-a-half-year tenure at his former club. The deal was finalized for what was described as a mini fee, which can increase to nearly one million euros through bonuses. Reports in January 2026 indicated that Stuttgart's initial demand had been €1.5 million. A transfer for Silas had been possible in the summer but did not happen, partly because Stuttgart had hoped to recover the eight million euros they paid to FC Paris for him in 2019. The player's annual salary of around 2.5 million euros at VfB was also a factor in the delayed departure. The current move allows Stuttgart to save on a portion of his wages. Silas had recently been on loan at Red Star Belgrade in Belgrade. According to reports in September 2024, that deal included a €10 million purchase option which was not activated. He sustained a severe ankle injury shortly before his return. The winger has 20 caps and one goal for his country, and his current market value, according to Transfermarkt, is €3.00m.