Kodai Sano’s Transfer Insights: A Look at Recent Developments

Kodai Sano was on the verge of a major transfer during the winter transfer window. NEC, his current club, was reluctant to let him go, despite Sano having some appealing options.

While Ajax was willing to pay up to fifteen million euros for him, this amount was insufficient to sway the decision-makers in Nijmegen. Nottingham Forest showed interest as well, offering twenty million euros for the Japanese midfielder, but that too fell short. Sano is expected to make a transfer next summer, and his potential destination may already be on the horizon.

Following the transfer deadline, Sano spoke on his club’s channel, reflecting on the past ten days: “I received several offers, and it was a challenging period for me. I want to thank all the clubs that showed interest and made offers. I expressed my stance, and NEC shared their perspective. Being young, I can’t completely dismiss these opportunities, but as a professional, I must perform on the field. It has been difficult at times off the field, but I have communicated with the club, and mentally, I feel free. I must move forward, and I feel good.”