Liverpool Target £51 Million Move for Mainz Midfielder Kaishu Sano to Bolster Midfield Depth
The Reds are reportedly ready to meet a £51 million valuation for the Japanese international to address squad depth issues.
Liverpool is actively working to reinforce its midfield ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign, with Mainz 05 midfielder Kaishu Sano emerging as a primary transfer target. According to a report from German publication Bild, the Merseyside club is prepared to launch a £51 million bid to secure the services of the highly-rated Japanese international.
The pursuit comes after a demanding season in which squad depth issues repeatedly exposed vulnerabilities in Liverpool’s roster. Over the past 12 months, former manager Arne Slot relied heavily on a core midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch. However, the heavy workload took its toll, with both Mac Allister and Gravenberch struggling to perform to the peak of their abilities during critical stretches of the campaign.
With the transfer window now open, further changes in the squad’s engine room appear imminent. The future of Curtis Jones is currently under the scanner, prompting the club to seek reliable, long-term alternatives. The recruitment drive is also being shaped by tactical adjustments under Andoni Iraola, who is expected to implement a high-intensity brand of football prior to the start of the Premier League next month. Iraola, who is tipped to stay true to the aggressive tactical approach he established at Bournemouth, requires exceptionally energetic players to sustain a grueling schedule that will see the team play nearly twice a week during the 2026/27 season.
A Dynamic Solution for the Engine Room
The 25-year-old Kaishu Sano has identified himself as an ideal candidate to fulfill these demanding tactical requirements. Sano enjoyed a standout campaign with Japan at this summer’s World Cup, where his impressive performances in the midfield helped guide his country to the round of 32 before a hard-fought elimination by Brazil. His exploits on the international stage did not go unnoticed, catching the attention of Liverpool’s scouting department.
On the pitch, Sano is renowned for his tactical intelligence and defensive work rate. He reads the game brilliantly, winning possession a relentless number of times in the engine room to disrupt opposition transitions. However, his value extends far beyond defensive disruption; Sano possesses the physical strength and acceleration needed to drive aggressively into the final third.
This progressive ball-carrying ability addresses a notable tactical deficiency for Liverpool. Aside from Dominik Szoboszlai, the squad has lacked a midfielder capable of consistently carrying the ball forward through defensive lines. Sano’s directness and ability to transition play quickly are seen as vital components to help the team create more goalscoring opportunities and find the back of the net more consistently.
Should Mainz 05 accept the reported £51 million valuation, Liverpool will have secured a highly versatile, high-quality midfielder at a reasonable price in a highly competitive transfer market, providing the squad with the necessary depth to compete across multiple fronts.
