PSV Eindhoven have officially completed the signing of Kodai Sano from NEC Nijmegen, with the 22-year-old midfielder signing a contract through mid-2031 in a deal that sets a new transfer record for NEC.
PSV Eindhoven have confirmed the arrival of Kodai Sano from NEC Nijmegen, completing one of their key moves of the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old Japanese international has signed a contract with the Eredivisie champions through mid-2031 and will wear the No. 24 shirt in Eindhoven.
PSV and NEC have not disclosed the exact transfer fee, but NEC have confirmed that the deal represents a club-record transfer. Reports indicate the Nijmegen side could receive around €15 million, including bonuses, surpassing the previous record set by Basar Önal's move to Lille OSC earlier this summer.
Sano described the transfer as the next important step in his development.
“I see this transfer as the ideal next step in my career,” the midfielder said. “PSV is a top club; you can see that in everything they do.”
The Japan international also highlighted his connection with PSV head coach Peter Bosz, whose tactical approach played a role in his decision.
“What’s more, the head coach’s character and style of play really appeal to me. He even speaks a little Japanese, thanks to his own past with JEF United. That’s really nice, of course.”
Sano added that he is eager to begin working with his new teammates.
“I can’t wait to step onto the field here. I’m going to fight for PSV with everything I’ve got, day in and day out.”
Sano joined NEC from Japanese club Fagiano Okayama in August 2023. Remarkably, his official NEC debut came against PSV a month later.
The midfielder developed into an important figure in Nijmegen and enjoyed the strongest season of his career last term. NEC finished third in the Eredivisie under Dick Schreuder and reached the KNVB Cup final.
In total, Sano made 98 appearances for NEC, scoring 12 goals, before making the move to Eindhoven.
PSV had identified him as a priority target, with Director of Football Earnest Stewart outlining the qualities the club expects him to bring.
“We see him as a number 6 with a lot of dynamism in his play,” Stewart said. “Kodai can bring tremendous intensity, fits perfectly into PSV’s style of play, and also has a lot of potential for growth.”
Stewart also praised Sano's mentality despite his relatively young age.
“In addition, despite his young age, he has already shown that he can perform under pressure and isn’t afraid to take on responsibility. We see Kodai as a very valuable addition to the team.”
The transfer gives PSV another dynamic option in midfield as Peter Bosz prepares his squad for another domestic title challenge and a return to Champions League football.
