Feyenoord has shown interest in Kodai Sano, for whom NEC reportedly wants between fifteen and twenty million euros. Carlos Aalbers, technical director of NEC, stated that clubs wanting to acquire a starting player from NEC in January must pay a higher price, because it is mid-season and the club is engaged in a significant project. Aalbers indicated that NEC has a specific valuation in mind for Sano but did not specify the amount, and thinks most clubs cannot afford him. The technical director also mentioned he does not exclude the possibility of Sano moving directly to a top club after NEC.

ESPN reported on Tuesday afternoon that Feyenoord has officially approached NEC for Kodai Sano. The Rotterdam team wants to add the midfielder to the squad of coach Robin van Persie. NEC previously set an asking price of twenty million euros for Sano, who is under contract with the club until mid-2028.

According to de Gelderlander, NEC has informed Feyenoord that the price for Kodai Sano is fifteen million euros. Feyenoord has not yet made an official offer. It is reported that Feyenoord has limited funds available to spend this winter, making it uncertain if the club can meet NEC's asking price.

Feyenoord has contacted NEC regarding Kodai Sano, and sources close to the player have confirmed this. ESPN was the first to report Feyenoord's interest in the 22-year-old Japanese midfielder, who the club views as a player they want to add to their midfield during the winter. Other clubs have also reportedly been interested in Sano; PSV had previously been strongly interested in him as a potential replacement for Joey Veerman, but a transfer for Veerman did not occur. FSV Mainz 05 has also shown interest in the midfielder. NEC had previously maintained an asking price of twenty million euros for Sano. The midfielder, who has one cap for Japan, is under contract with NEC until June 2028 and has scored one goal and provided three assists in 17 Eredivisie appearances this season. Reports from December 2025 mentioned a rumored asking price range of €15 million to €20 million, a figure that PSV reportedly found excessive. His market value is listed by Transfermarkt at €6 million.