NEC Nijmegen star Kodai Sano has admitted he would have liked to leave in the January transfer window, after Nottingham Forest saw a €20m bid for him rejected.
Voetbal International cover comments from the 22-year-old midfielder today. He’s been speaking on the club’s official channels about the transfer interest in him.
Sano could have been on the move on deadline day of the transfer window yesterday. Several clubs were targeting him, including Nottingham Forest.
Indeed, Sean Dyche’s side even put in a bid. A report yesterday explained that they’d made a €20m bid for the midfielder’s signature. This was quickly rejected by NEC, who had no intention of selling at the last minute.
Ajax were also in the mix, as were clubs from the Bundesliga. NEC remained firm, though, much to the youngster’s disappointment. He admits that he was eyeing a move, and the transfer speculation certainly didn’t go unnoticed.
“I’ve received several offers, and the past ten days have been difficult for me,” he said.
“I want to thank all the clubs that were interested and made an offer. I explained my position, and NEC explained theirs.
“I’m still young, so I can’t say I can completely shut it out. But I’m also a professional, so I just have to deliver on the pitch. Off the pitch, it was sometimes difficult. I’ve spoken with the club, and I feel free. I have to move on, and I feel good.”
Attention now turns to the summer transfer window. If Sano continues to impress at NEC, the January suitors are likely to return once again. He’s willing to admit he wants a move then, if there are offers on the table.
“I came to NEC to eventually take the next step,” he added.
“I’m very focused on my career, and I know how important that next step is. I was hoping to make a move this winter, but I also understand the club’s situation. Now I’m focusing on the summer.”