Amid ongoing rumors, Japan international midfielder Kaishu Sano, 25, has been linked with a potential transfer to AC Milan. Liverpool and Newcastle United have also been mentioned in connection with the Mainz 05 player. The German club's sporting director, Christian Heidel, has commented on his player's future in an exclusive interview.
Sano, who joined Mainz in July 2024, has a contract with the club until 2028. He has earned 16 caps for Japan, scoring one goal. In the 2025/2026 Bundesliga season, he made 68 appearances, contributing one goal and three assists. His current Transfermarkt valuation is €50.00m. According to reports in July 2026, Liverpool were prepared to offer up to €60 million for the player. During the same period, it was reported that Mainz's asking price was between €50 million and €60 million.
