Will PSV take on Bundesliga club for a signature for Saibari’s successor?

The rumors about PSV's interest in the Japanese striker Kodai Sano of NEC are growing stronger. Everywhere, the name of the Japanese player is being mentioned when it comes to the succession of the Moroccan international. 

According to various sources, PSV sees Kodai Sano as the successor to Ismael Saibari. Now that the interest of FC Bayern Munich is taking concrete shape, it seems PSV will need to switch gears in order to sign the Japanese midfielder from NEC. To do that, they will have to dip very deeply into their pockets, as NEC is considering a asking price of at least twenty million euros.

It remains to be seen whether that asking price still applies to the midfielder, who previously said he would like to take a step up. The playmaker of NEC is not part of Japan's World Cup squad and so that does something to his transfer value. According to Eindhovens Dagblad, Sano's arrival is not necessarily dependent on a possible departure of Saibari.

Sano can take part in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League with NEC. However, it remains to be seen whether that will actually happen. The Japanese player has already indicated that he is open to a new adventure, and the club management is willing to cooperate if a good offer comes on the table. It remains to be seen, though, whether PSV wants to break its own transfer record to bring in a replacement for Saibari. 

Omroep Gelderland reports that PSV will, in any case, face strong competition due to VfB Stuttgart's interest. The German club finished fourth in the Bundesliga and reached the final of the DFB-Pokal for the second consecutive season, which they lost to FC Bayern München 0-3. Nevertheless, Stuttgart wants to invest to ensure they are guaranteed a place in the Champions League.

Sano recorded 39 official matches last season, three goals and eight assists. The playmaker, who is still under contract in Nijmegen until 2028, has a brother, Kaishu Sano, who plays for FSV Mainz 05.