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PSV may be trying again to sign the desired midfielder
Max de KokJuly 10, 2026
Transfer news

PSV may be trying again to sign the desired midfielder

1 min read

A few weeks ago, PSV seemed to be on the verge of signing NEC midfielder Kodai Sano when it became known that German club TSG Hoffenheim had reportedly made an offer for the Japanese player. Now that the German club has taken over Nathan De Cat from RSC Anderlecht, it appears that Sano will not be leaving for Hoffenheim.

Because of this as well, according to the Eindhovens Dagblad, there is still a chance that PSV will approach NEC to find out about the midfielder. According to the ED, this is because Hoffenheim will not be going for De Cat and Sano at the same time.

The midfielder himself is eagerly looking to take a step up. PSV would have to put around eighteen million euros on the table to be able to sign Sano from Nijmegen.

PSV has been interested in Sano for a while and wants to bring the Japanese player to Eindhoven badly. The Japanese player had a strong season with NEC in which the surprise team led by Dick Schreuder finished third in the Eredivisie and in the 2026/2027 season will compete in the Champions League qualifying round.

Moreover, the final of the KNVB Cup was reached in which, in the end, they were hopelessly beaten 5-1 by AZ. Despite this, the midfielder was not included in Japan's World Cup squad, where the Asian country lost 2-1 to Brazil in the second round.

Comments9

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NICKR10 Jul, 20:23

"PSV zou zo'n achttien miljoen euro op tafel moeten leggen" dat is dus gewoon 1 directe gok. Maar eerlijk, met Schreuder z'n derde plek en die CL-route kan het een banger worden, fr. 💯

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jake199010 Jul, 19:51

"PSV zou zo'n achttien miljoen euro op tafel moeten leggen" Thats the quote right there. Hope the board is brave, because Japan 2nd round exit or not, his club form with NEC was too noticeable to ignore. 🚀🔥

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MAX10 Jul, 18:27

18 million for Sano... hmm 💀. If we also got De Cat to replace that kind of midfield profile, then sure, but we have to be smart with the budget. That KNVB Beker loss 5-1 to AZ hurts, tbh, even if the season overall was good.

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tom_9210 Jul, 17:48

PSV moet gewoon bellen naar NEC, dat zegt alles. Sano wil stap hogerop en NEC zit met een speler die al bewezen heeft in Eredivisie tempo te kunnen halen. Als De Cat transfer gebeurt, dan is het misschien nu of nooit. 👀

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marieke_v10 Jul, 17:05

Ik snap de wens, maar 18 miljoen voor een speler die ook nog uit de WK-selectie viel vind ik risicovol. Was dat KNVB Beker-dubbel (1-5 vs AZ) niet toch vooral een momentopname? Wat als Sano bij ons niet dezelfde stootkracht heeft.

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PSV_Sven10 Jul, 15:19

"dolgraag een stap hogerop" yeah okay, but i also need to see what PSV offers tactically. At NEC he was part of a stunt team, at PSV the pressure and tempo are different. Still, i'd rather try than watch him stay in Nijmegen and develop without us.

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Sarah J.10 Jul, 15:17

The "Hoffenheim won't take both De Cat and Sano" part actually makes sense. If PSV wait too long, some other club will jump in from Germany or England. For me, 18m only works if PSV has a clear plan for his role, not just a name on the sheet.

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pieter198510 Jul, 15:16

If Hoffenheim drops Sano, PSV should 100% strike now. €18m is a lot, but he fits the profile: dynamic mid with real top-level minutes, especially after that NEC third-place run. 👀

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PSV_Sven10 Jul, 15:13

Als Hoffenheim niet zowel De Cat als Sano pakt, dan voelt dit als een moment voor PSV. Die 18 miljoen klinkt duur, maar met CL-voorronde in zicht is het wel logisch om te investeren. 🔥