A midfielder still seems to be high on the list of priorities for Borussia Dortmund this summer, with the club looking at signing an established Bundesliga talent to fill that role.
Should Borussia Dortmund Make a Move For The Japanese International?
It is quite clear from the number of players that Borussia Dortmund have been linked to in this position that a midfielder, ideally one who can play in a deeper-lying role, is something of high interest to the club this summer.
The Yellow Wall have been linked with several players, ranging from more established personnel like Arne Engels to more of an unknown but exciting quantity in Milton Delgado. Now, the most recently linked player to fill this midfield position comes in the form of Mainz 05 midfielder Kaishu Sano.
A Midfielder Who Has Made An Impact For Both Club And Country
The name Kaishu Sano may sound familiar to those who have been watching the FIFA World Cup in recent weeks. That is because Kaishu Sano made a significant impact in Japan's World Cup campaign, including a goal against Brazil in their eventual defeat in the Round of 32 and an assist against Tunisia in their second group stage game.
REUTERS/Pedro NunesHowever, it is not only on the international stage that Kaishu Sano has made an impact, as he has played a key role in his club side, Mainz 05's Bundesliga and European campaigns, helping Mainz 05 reach a UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final and scoring 2 goals and 1 assist in a 10th-placed finish in the Bundesliga.
Having joined Mainz 05 in 2024 for €2.5 million, he has developed very well in his 2 seasons at the club, meaning his market value now sits at €40 million, according to Transfermarkt.
Borussia Dortmund Keen Along With Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United
This has now led to now, as following the conclusion of Japan's run in the World Cup, the rumour mill surrounding Kaishu Sano's future has begun. The latest team to join the race for the Japanese midfielder's signature is Liverpool, while Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United and Arsenal are said to have been monitoring the midfielder for some time.
Contracted to Mainz 05 until 2028, the German outfit is under no pressure to sell the defensive midfielder. It could demand a fee of up to €60 million for the Japanese international this summer.
How Likely Is It That Borussia Dortmund Will Sign Kaishu Sano, and Could It Rest On The Future Of Felix Nmecha?
Well, because Kaishu Sano is a proven Bundesliga midfielder, aged 25, and has years in the tank still, as well as fitting the position that Borussia Dortmund are looking to fill, these are all points in the pros column
However, the player is priced at quite a high fee, and given Borussia Dortmund's reluctant nature in paying high fees so far this summer, and the fact that the players that they have been linked to have been priced at significantly lower than the €60 million mark, these are all reasons to be cautious with these links.
But, perhaps this isn't a move that Borussia Dortmund are looking to do as it stands, but instead are preparing in case of the departure of Felix Nmecha, who is heavily linked with a move away this summer, in which case Kaishu Sano could be an adequate replacement.
REUTERS/Peter CziborraAuthor's Take
This seems like a transfer that Borussia Dortmund are unlikely to proceed with, mainly due to the price point at which a deal would be completed, but also due to the age and lack of massive resale value.
Players like Milton Delgado seem more likely to come in, unless Felix Nmecha leaves the club this summer, in which case Kaishu Sano could prove to be higher up on Borussia Dortmund's list of targets this summer.
