Florian Plettenberg reports that FSV Mainz 05 are considering signing Kaishu Sano’s younger brother Kodai away from NEC Nijmegen. Like Kaishu (24), Kodai (22) is a versatile midfielder who has been capped for Japan at senior level. Kodai, unlike his defensive midfield specialist brother, is more attack-minded and can also play on the wing.
Kodai maintains a €6m estimated market value. The younger Samurai international has scored one goal and registered three assists in 17 league appearances for his Eredivisie outfit this season. Kodai arrived in Holland on a transfer from Fagiano Okayama in the summer of 2023 and netted five league goals in his first season in the Dutch top flight.
Kaishu Sano’s inevitable departure from Mainz
The manner in which Kaishu’s estimated market value has skyrocketed (from €2.5m to €25m in his first year in the Bundesliga) leaves Mainz almost certain to lose their star midfield “Iron Man”. There are rumors of interest within the Bundesliga, but a player of Kaishu’s caliber will likely be looking to move abroad. Remaining with Mainz – who are actively contesting the relegation race – seems unlikely in any event.
Mainz have already procured another Japanese prospect, Sota Kawasaki, whom they hope will benefit from Kaishu’s tutelage before he leaves. Kaishu certainly cannot be replaced on a like-for-like basis, however. It stands to reason that the Mainz administrative team will continue to proactively seek several potential replacements for such a key player.
