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 involved in something important. Aalbers indicated that NEC has a specific valuation in mind for Kodai Sano but did not specify the amount, and thinks most clubs cannot afford him. The technical director also mentioned he considers it a possibility for Sano to move directly to a top club after NEC.

Voetbalprimeur.nl reports that FSV Mainz is demonstrating a serious and increasing interest in Kodai Sano.

FSV Mainz 05 is interested in NEC's 22-year-old Japanese midfielder Kodai Sano, but they face competition from PSV, who consider him a priority as a potential replacement for Joey Veerman. NEC would prefer not to sell Sano this winter. NEC is asking for €20 million for the player. According to Rik Elfrink of the Eindhovens Dagblad, PSV finds the rumored asking price of €15 to €20 million to be excessive and will consider other players if that is the case. Sano, who joined NEC in August 2023, has a contract until 2028. The midfielder, capped once by Japan, has scored one goal and provided three assists in 17 Eredivisie appearances this season. His current Transfermarkt market value is €6.00m.