Villarreal among clubs interested in Elversberg striker David Mokwa (22), Hoffenheim still possess buyback clause

Villarreal among clubs interested in Elversberg striker David Mokwa (22), Hoffenheim still possess buyback clause Spanish La Liga outfit Villarreal have reportedly joined the list of clubs interested in SV Elversberg striker David Mokwa. According to French sporting publication L’Équipe , the 22-year-old has emerged as one of Villarreal’s preferred attacking reinforcements for the January transfer window. The Frenchman has attracted considerable attention following an impressive start to his first Bundesliga season. Mokwa has registered two goals and one assist in eight league appearances for newly promoted Elversberg, helping Vincent Wagner’s team establish themselves in the upper half of the table. Villarreal are reportedly considering a winter approach, although no formal offer has been confirmed. Other clubs are also monitoring Mokwa, with former employers TSG Hoffenheim among the interested parties. Mokwa made four Hoffenheim first-team appearances during the 2024/25 campaign, twice scoring in the Europa League under current TSG head coach Christian Ilzer. Hoffenheim possess lucrative buyback clause Hoffenheim’s interest presents an intriguing complication for any prospective transfer. As previously reported by Get German Football News following Mokwa’s January 2026 move to Elversberg , the Kraichgau club negotiated a buyback clause when selling the Frenchman to their then second-division counterparts. According to Sky Germany , the clause is worth approximately €3m. That figure now stands considerably below Mokwa’s estimated €7m Transfermarkt market valuation, leaving Hoffenheim with an attractive opportunity to reacquire their former player. The Bundesliga club have reportedly been impressed by Mokwa’s development, but no decision has been reached concerning a potential return. Hoffenheim already possess considerable attacking depth, and there remains uncertainty over whether the buyback clause can be activated during the January transfer window or only in the summer. Mokwa’s Elversberg contract runs through June 2029. Mokwa continues to develop under Vincent Wagner The Frenchman’s rapid progression represents another success for Elversberg’s recruitment and development model. Mokwa arrived from Hoffenheim’s reserve team in January 2026, reuniting with Wagner after the pair previously worked together in the Kraichgau. The striker quickly established himself at the Saarland club, scoring six goals in 17 second-division appearances and helping Elversberg secure their historic promotion. As examined in GGFN ‘s extensive Elversberg preseason tactical preview , Mokwa’s mobility, athleticism, and ability to stretch opposing defensive lines made him an important component of Wagner’s attacking system. The 22-year-old subsequently made an immediate impression in Germany’s top flight, scoring in Elversberg’s remarkable opening-day 3-2 victory over Bayer Leverkusen before adding another goal in the following week’s 4-3 triumph over Borussia Mönchengladbach. His latest Bundesliga contribution came during last Friday’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Mainz 05. Mokwa assisted Francis Onyeka’s 26th-minute goal, combining effectively with the attacking midfielder after receiving a pass from Lukas Petkov. As detailed in our firsthand match report and player ratings , Mokwa also troubled the Mainz defence with his movement and direct attacking play, earning a 7/10 rating. His progress has additionally attracted attention from the French national-team setup. L’Équipe reports that Mokwa has been provisionally selected for France’s upcoming U21 international fixtures against Italy and England. A first appearance at that level could follow during the November international break. For Elversberg, the increasing interest in their leading striker presents another challenge as they attempt to consolidate their impressive Bundesliga start. Hoffenheim’s contractual rights could prove particularly significant should Villarreal or another interested club attempt to secure a winter transfer. Mokwa speaks to GGFN following Mainz victory Speaking to Get German Football News in the mixed zone following Elversberg’s 4-1 victory over Mainz, Mokwa discussed his confidence in taking on opposing defenders and reflected on the team’s performance. “I had a lot of confidence in going alone,” the Frenchman explained when asked about an attacking opportunity in which he elected to continue his run rather than seek contact with a defender. “I told myself, okay, I’ll just go on my own. It’s a shame it didn’t go in, but we won anyway.” GGFN  |  Peter Weis