Tottenham have made contact with the representatives of Mainz defensive midfielder Kaishu Sano, with the report linking his World Cup form for Japan to fresh interest, though Liverpool are currently leading the race for his signature.
According to TeamTalk, as cited by Spurs Web, Sano has emerged as a target following his performances for Japan this summer. He registered one goal and two assists across 34 Bundesliga appearances last season for Mainz, then scored directly against Brazil – beating Alisson from range – in the round of 32. That goal tends to travel fast in scouting departments.
£51m price tag reflects Mainz’s firm stance
Mainz are said to value Sano at £51 million ($69 million) and are determined to hold that line as bids arrive. TeamTalk reports that Liverpool are considering an offer that would represent a record sale for the Bundesliga club. Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund have also made contact with Sano’s representatives, so Spurs are one of four clubs in the conversation.
The fee is the obvious sticking point. It is a substantial premium for a player whose club career amounts to one season of Bundesliga football – even an impressive one. Spurs have shown recently that they are willing to act decisively in midfield when the profile fits, as the Mateus Fernandes deal demonstrated, but £51m for a first-choice defensive midfielder in a four-club auction is a different proposition entirely.
Liverpool lead, Spurs trail – familiar enough
With Liverpool described as fronting the queue and Arsenal also in the frame, this has the shape of a deal that resolves itself at Anfield or the Emirates before Spurs are seriously tested. That said, contact with representatives is a real step – it is not window dressing. Whether Ange Postecoglou’s side are prepared to match Mainz’s asking price against that kind of competition is the question that matters.
Spurs are simultaneously pursuing other midfield and attacking options this window – the Sandro Tonali situation shows the club is willing to operate in the higher fee ranges when motivated. Whether Sano clears that bar, given Liverpool’s head start, remains to be answered as the window develops.
