Liverpool have been linked with a move for Mainz 05 midfielder Kaishu Sano this summer
Kaishu Sano (Japan) celebrates after scoring during Round of 32 FIFA World Cup 2026, Brazil and Japan, Houston Stadium, Texas, USA
Kaishu Sano (Japan) celebrates after scoring during Round of 32 FIFA World Cup 2026, Brazil and Japan, Houston Stadium, Texas, USA(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto)
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Kaishu Sano has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer and Mainz 05 sporting director Christian Heidel has admitted the Bundesliga outfit could sanction an exit - but only if they receive a substantial offer.
The 25-year-old, who scored for Japan at this summer’s World Cup against Brazil, has also reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Such speculation was put to Heidel during a recent interview with BILD. And while he refused to comment on the likes of Liverpool’s rumoured interest, he explained Mainz’s stance regarding the Japan international’s future.
"You know we like to prepare transfers in such a way that the public only finds out once we announce them," he said. “And usually, we manage to do just that!
"I won't comment on any rumours or discuss any of the clubs mentioned.
“We don't have to sell Kaishu; we can afford to keep him. If he stays, there will be a lot of happy people in the squad, the club, and the surrounding community.
"But it’s the same as always at Mainz 05: if an offer comes along that makes us gasp for breath, we have to consider it!"
Heidel had previously hinted that Sano could move to the Premier League if Mainz were to cash in on his services this summer.
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“There’s no doubt there are interested parties,” he told BILD, as quoted by Sport Witness. “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 Kaishu 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.”