Dortmund keen on Sano: will BVB make Mainz star a record signing? | OneFootball

Will he become 1. FSV Mainz 05’s new record transfer? For the past two years, Kaishu Sano has been cleaning up in the Rheinhessen club’s midfield. The 25-year-old Japan international is one of the hardest-running professionals in the Bundesliga. His performances have caught the attention of several top clubs.

As reported by the Japanese sports newspaper Nikkan Sports, Premier League sides Liverpool FC and Brentford FC in particular are showing strong interest in Sano. According to ThePeoplesPerson, however, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund are also interested in the Mainz player. The 25-year-old defensive midfielder, who is under contract at Mainz until 2028, is expected to bring the club around €50 to €60 million.

The 16-cap international most recently underlined his class at the World Cup. Sano impressed not only against the Netherlands and Tunisia, but also shone in the round of 32, scoring in the 1–2 defeat to Brazil.

Sano is Mainz’s Mr. Reliable

In the summer of 2024, Sano moved from Kashima Antlers to Mainz. Since then, he has made 84 appearances in all competitions for the 05ers, scoring two goals and setting up five more. During that period, he did not miss a single Mainz match, whether in the Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal, or the Conference League.

Photo: Getty Images

Sano stands out not only for his tremendous stamina, but also impresses in transition play with tireless sprints right up to the final minute. When Mainz were in possession, the 25-year-old was a reliable passing outlet. There is still room for improvement, however, when it comes to long passes.

If a sale of Sano goes through on the terms Mainz are hoping for, the Japanese player would become the Rheinhessen club’s record sale. He would replace Brajan Gruda (22), who moved to Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2024 for around €31.5 million.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.