Liverpool are among the clubs keen on signing 1. FSV Mainz 05’s Kaishū Sano this summer.
The Japan international’s displays for club and country have caught the attention of a few clubs, including Liverpool.
Earlier this week, Sport Witness covered claims from Japan that the Reds could make a big offer for him.
There’s belief the defensive midfielder has the profile that suits the Premier League. Arsenal and Manchester United, along with Borussia Dortmund, have also had interest.
Liverpool told price for signing
Friday’s edition of Bild relays the Japanese claim focusing on Andoni Iraola’s side and then shares their own updates.
He scored in Japan’s 2-1 defeat to Brazil, which resulted in their World Cup elimination. Kaishū Sano’s overall performances in the tournament could result in a financial windfall for 1. FSV Mainz 05.
Bild suggests it may not be surprising if the 25-year-old were to replace his compatriot, Wataru Endō, at Liverpool.
They also spoke to Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert. He insists there’s no pressure to sell, but his side would consider offers for Sano.
“It’s obvious that a player who has played two years in the Bundesliga and was outstanding at the World Cup, probably the best player in his position, is in demand,” he said.
“There’s no doubt there are interested parties. It’s well known that England is the league where outstanding players usually move.
“Our big advantage is that the player still has a long-term contract, so we’re under no pressure at all and won’t be rushing anything.”
“If a club comes along with an offer, we’ll consider it. If, in our view, it’s not high enough for the player’s market value, then it’s also possible that Kaishū will stay with us longer. As of today, everything is still open. But we know, of course, that we have a player who is generating a lot of interest.”
Bild claim Mainz are looking for a fee close to €60m, for a player with a contract until 2028 and valued at €40m by Transfermarkt.
Why Liverpool need new defensive midfielder
Liverpool are keen on Kaishū Sano
Liverpool are keen on Kaishū Sano
Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endō and Stefan Bajcetic are the three defensive midfielders at Anfield.
Bajcetic, who didn’t feature last season because of an injury, is reportedly negotiating a move to Spain. He and Endō have a year left on their contracts, and the latter has also dealt with injury concerns.
This leaves Gravenberch without a recognised backup. The Reds will have to sign a new defensive midfielder especially if Bajcetic and/or Endō were to leave.
Kaishū Sano can be an option for Liverpool, but it’s unclear if the Reds or his other suitors are willing to offer close to €60m.