Talks held as Liverpool move closer to deal for £51m World Cup midfield powerhouse | OneFootball

Liverpool are reported to be shopping for midfielders this summer.

We may need to see some outgoings before a new face is brought in. Fringe men like Stefan Bajcetic and Harvey Elliott have been linked with the exit door.

And Curtis Jones - wanted by Inter Milan - could depart once the Italian champions reach Richard Hughes’ €40m asking price.

Wharton top target

Among the contenders named as Liverpool targets is Adam Wharton. The Crystal Palace midfielder, 22, has risen to prominence over the last couple of years and now looks set for a big move.

But the England international would cost £100m - meaning Liverpool could well be searching for other options.

Liverpool hold talks for Kaishu Sano

Kaishu Sano, 25, is one such name.

The Mainz midfielder had a terrific FIFA World Cup for Japan with a report from TEAMtalk now stating that talks have been opened over a summer deal.

Liverpool would be prepared to pay up to £51m for the midfield powerhouse - hoping to beat off competition from Arsenal, Tottenham and others.

“The Reds are prepared to offer up to €60million (£51m / $69m) for the Mainz star after holding talks over a deal,” the report reads.

“They are not alone, and Arsenal, Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund are also tracking him with interest and have been in contact with his representatives.

“Liverpool are considering a bid that would easily represent a record sale for Mainz, if accepted.”

Kaishū Sano: Situation summary

Kaishū Sano is a 25‑year‑old Japanese defensive midfielder, 1.76m, who joined Mainz from Kashima Antlers in July 2024 and has since become a guaranteed starter, barely missing a league minute across his first two Bundesliga seasons.

His Japan form at the 2026 World Cup, including a shock goal against Brazil, has raised his profile beyond Germany.

On the pitch, Sano is a classic midfield workhorse: relentless engine, huge coverage, tough tackling and intelligent positioning, breaking up play and recycling possession with simple, secure passing rather than headline‑grabbing creativity.

He embodies Mainz’s high‑intensity style, regularly leading the league for distance covered and intensive runs.

Contract‑wise, he’s tied to Mainz until 2028 after a €2.5m move, giving the club strong leverage as his value climbs.

Eintracht Frankfurt have already placed him on a shortlist, and his World Cup exposure makes a future step to a higher‑budget Bundesliga side or a mid‑table Premier League club – as a reliable ball‑winning No.6 – a realistic next move.