RB Leipzig lead race for Liverpool- and Newcastle-linked Mainz star, per Japanese outlet

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·12 August 2026

RB Leipzig lead race for Liverpool- and Newcastle-linked Mainz star, per Japanese outlet

Mainz midfielder Kaishu Sano has been linked with a number of clubs outside Germany after impressing at the World Cup, with Liverpool, Newcastle United and AC Milan among those reportedly showing interest.

However, according to Japanese outlet Sponichi, RB Leipzig have now emerged as the frontrunners to sign the 25-year-old.

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A price tag of €50-60 million has been mentioned for Sano, whose contract with Mainz runs until 2028.

RB Leipzig recently sold Yan Diomande to Real Madrid for €125 million plus bonuses and could choose to reinvest some of that money in the defensive midfielder.

Mainz signed Sano from Kashima Antlers for a reported €2.5 million fee two years ago.