Big transfer news from Amsterdam: Ajax is working on a ‘surprise’ and is investigating the possibilities of taking over Kodai Sano from NEC. That’s what Fabrizio Romano writes. The Japanese revelation from NEC must become the new number 6 in Amsterdam. Discussions for a transfer are now underway.
Ajax is looking for a new number 6 towards the end of the transfer window. Various experienced options, who would have to come on a rental basis, have already been reviewed, but none of the names mentioned turned out to be feasible. The last player mentioned is Fred from Fenerbahçe. However, on Sunday morning, Romano dropped a bombshell: Ajax wants to surprise with Sano.
In Amsterdam, the Japanese international is seen as ‘key’ in Ajax’s project. The talks are even said to be underway. However, it remains to be seen whether a transfer is feasible. NEC reportedly wants to raise as much as twenty million euros if he leaves Goffert. While according to the latest reports, Ajax was looking for an affordable controller.
This transfer window, Sano’s name was also explicitly mentioned at PSV and Feyenoord. In Eindhoven he was in the picture as a potential successor to Joey Veerman, who ultimately never left for Fenerbahçe. NEC’s asking price was too high for Feyenoord.
On Saturday, Sano was worth his weight in gold for NEC in the top match against AZ. With a goal and an assist, the midfielder played a major role in the 1-3 victory of the Nijmegen team in Alkmaar.
Short Description:
Ajax launches a surprise move for NEC’s Kodai Sano, targeting the Japanese star as their new defensive midfielder in a late-window shake-up.
Read Time: 2 minutes, 15 seconds
Main Article:
In a stunning late-window development, Ajax transfer news is dominated by their pursuit of Kodai Sano, the Japanese revelation from NEC Nijmegen. According to top transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Amsterdam giants are actively negotiating to sign the Japanese international as their new defensive midfielder, a position they have struggled to fill. This move represents a significant pivot from earlier links to experienced, short-term options like Fred, highlighting a bold shift in strategy for the Dutch powerhouse as the deadline looms.
The potential transfer fee is the immediate financial hurdle. NEC is rumored to be holding out for a sum of up to €20 million, a figure that conflicts with reports of Ajax seeking an affordable solution. This valuation reflects Sano’s pivotal role and soaring market value following his standout performances in the Eredivisie. His stock rose even further this past weekend, where a goal and an assist against AZ showcased his direct impact, proving he is far more than just a traditional holding midfielder.
Sano’s emergence has created a fascinating Eredivisie transfer narrative, with both PSV and Feyenoord also having shown concrete interest earlier in the window. His status as a key target for multiple top Dutch clubs underscores his proven quality within the league. For Ajax, securing Sano would be a major coup, injecting youthful dynamism into their core while making a direct statement against their rivals. However, the final deal hinges on navigating NEC’s steep financial demands, setting the stage for a tense financial negotiation that will test Ajax’s resolve and budget in the final days of the market.
Short Summary:
Ajax is in surprise talks to sign NEC’s Japanese star Kodai Sano as their new defensive midfielder. While seen as a key target to revitalize the squad, the transfer hinges on overcoming NEC’s €20 million asking price. Sano, also previously linked to PSV and Feyenoord, has seen his value skyrocket after a stellar season and a match-winning performance against AZ.
