A new target has emerged on the radar for Liverpool as the summer transfer window heats up. According to reports from Japanese publication Nikkan Sports, a strong interest is being shown by the Merseyside club in a 25-year-old Japanese defensive midfielder Kaishu Sano who currently playing for Mainz.
The deep-lying playmaker is valued by his German club at approximately €50 million (£43 million). A big offer is allegedly being prepared by Anfield hierarchy to secure the player, whose reputation was significantly enhanced during recent international exploits.
While Kaishu Sano’s consistent performances in the Bundesliga had already begun turning heads, his reputation was truly launched into the stratosphere during Japan’s recent World Cup run. The defining moment of his international career so far came during Monday’s heartbreaking Round of 32 clash against Brazil at Houston Stadium.
In the 29th minute, Sano pounced on a loose pass from Brazilian defender Danilo. Displaying immense composure and technical ability, the midfielder gracefully glided past veteran Casemiro at the edge of the box before rifling a precise, low strike into the far bottom corner to give the Samurai Blue an early 1-0 lead.
Though Casemiro later equalised and Gabriel Martinelli netted a cruel injury-time winner and made it 2-1 to send Japan crashing out of the tournament, Sano’s performance though stood out as a masterclass in elite midfield play. With Japan’s exit from the tournament confirmed, the race for his signature is expected to accelerate rapidly.
The pursuit of Sano comes at a time of immense transition on Merseyside. Following his arrival at Anfield, head coach Andoni Iraola has been eager to implement his high-intensity footballing philosophy from the outset. This overhaul requires specific, technically gifted profiles in the engine room a mold that Sano fits perfectly.
Iraola is currently tasked with rebuilding a squad. The Liverpool attack has been notably weakened by the departure of Mohamed Salah. To fix this, the club have been heavily linked with moves for Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande as potential replacements for the Egyptian king but both seem unlikely after recent reports.
However, reinforcing the attack is only half of the puzzle; Iraola views the midfield department as an area requiring immediate, high-quality reinforcement.
The Reds are far from alone in their admiration for the former Kashima Antlers man. Nikkan Sports insists that while Liverpool may be prepared to table a “big offer,” they will have to fended off significant domestic and international competition.
Both Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford are ready to fight the Reds for Sano’s signature. In the past, Sano has been linked with heavyweights such as Arsenal, Manchester United, and Borussia Dortmund all of whom could severely complicate Liverpool’s advances if they choose to formalise their interest.
Meanwhile, Sano’s current club, Mainz, appear to be entirely resigned to losing their star man. Anticipating a massive payday driven by widespread European interest, the Bundesliga side has already completed a deal for his direct replacement, securing Eric Martel from Cologne.