Liverpool are said to be leading the race to sign one of the World Cup hotshots ahead of a Premier League rival. The Reds are hoping to spend significant money again this summer after committing huge funds to strengthen Arne Slot's group last summer,
That spending likely ended up playing a role in Slot's sacking, and now it is Andoni Iraola's time to get money to put his squad together. That process has already begun, with Victor Munoz signing from Osasuna, and there are more signings expected. The Reds want a dominant new midfielder and a winger to replace Mo Salah.
As far as the midfield signing goes, the Reds could snap up a World Cup standout, according to the latest reports.
Liverpool leading race to sign Japan midfielder
Kaishu Sano (Japan) at the 2026 World CupAnnegret Hilse via Action Images via Reuters
Liverpool are said to be leading the race to sign Mainz and Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano, who impressed for his nation during the World Cup. Japan were one of the more impressive sides until they were knocked out by Brazil in the Round of 32, and Sano was key to their success.
FussballDaten say Premier League clubs are pushing hard to land Sano, and Liverpool are said to be in pole position. It's claimed they have the 'most concrete' and 'serious' offer at this stage. Mainz are asking for at least £42.7million, and the price could rise to around £51.2million.
It's claimed Liverpool have already explored a move with Sano's representatives, and they are willing to continue their follow up their interest with Mainz. Manchester United have also been linked, but it is Liverpool who lead the race.
Sano the 'incredibly fast' holding midfielder
Kodai Sano
Speaking back at the end of 2024, then Mainz boss Bo Henriksen issued a glowing verdict of Sano and his potential. He said: "He's been getting better and better in attack in the last few matches. He's started passing the ball forward. If you look at his stats from five matches ago, he wasn't passing the ball forward at all. He was always passing it backward. In the last match against Hoffenheim, he even had a header and recorded xG (expected goals).
"Everyone on the team says he's the player they least want to face in training. That's because he's incredibly fast, and on top of that, he's a great footballer, has good technique, and can head the ball. He has all the abilities to become not just a good Bundesliga player, but a truly excellent international-level player.
"He has great potential. I think Jonny (Jonathan Burkhardt) said that he's one of the players with the most potential on the team, and that's absolutely true. He's just getting better and better. Having players like him here and guiding them to the next step is the most important thing. The same goes for Paul (Nebel). I know Nadiem, Philip (Mwene), and Jonny are all excellent players. But developing players like them and guiding them to the next step is the most important thing in football.
"I feel that especially when I see a guy like Sano. He's not taking baby steps now, he's taking giant steps. We've actually taken such big steps that we think he could become one of the best players in his position."
Andoni Iraola Related
Romano: Liverpool Now Make £116m 'Superstar' Their Top Transfer Target
Liverpool have been told to make a 'big proposal' to land the man Andoni Iraola really wants