Liverpool Are In Pole Position To Land This Bundesliga Midfielder: Should Iraola Go For Him? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Fussballdaten stated that Liverpool are in pole position to land Mainz midfielder Kaishu Sano. It has been mentioned that the Reds are facing competition from Manchester United in the race to sign the Japan international later this year.

Sano’s Impressive Form In The Bundesliga

Sano enjoyed a good run of form at the German club in the previous campaign when he put in a string of impressive displays for them in the Bundesliga. The 25-year-old scored two goals and picked up five assists in 48 matches for Mainz last season on all fronts.

The Japanese talent is currently among the best holding midfielders in the Bundesliga. Hence, it is no wonder that the Reds are hoping to get a deal done for him this off-season.

His current deal at Mainz will run out in the summer of 2028, which could make it tough for Liverpool to sign him on the cheap in this transfer period.

GUADALUPE, MEXICO – JUNE 20: Kaishu Sano #24 of Japan looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Tunisia and Japan at Monterrey Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Guadalupe, Mexico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Should Bournemouth Boss Andoni Iraola Go For Sano?

Sano is a tough-tackling midfielder who can scan the danger well to secure possession back for his team inside his half. He usually clears his lines when needed and can even create some inviting chances for his teammates to find the back of the net.

The Japanese talent is full of energy and running at the centre of the park and can even shoot the ball with power from long range. Sano is primarily a holding midfielder but can also serve as a box-to-box midfielder if told to do so. However, there are some concerns over whether he can replicate his good form in the Premier League if the Reds manage to get him on board this off-season.

We can expect Sano to add more energy and dynamism to Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola’s defence. He has what it takes to fight for a regular first-team spot at the Merseyside club next season.

At 25, Sano has got his best years ahead of him, which makes him a decent choice for Liverpool to pursue in this transfer period. However, the Reds have to give him some time to adjust to life in England. Still, Iraola would be wise to go for a midfielder with Sano’s skill set before the end of this transfer window.