Manchester United have been linked with a move for emerging talent Kodai Sano. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know…
Kodai Sano is the latest player linked with a move to Manchester United. Similar to the club’s decision to sign Senne Lammens a year ago, he is a player you may not have heard of.
According to TeamTalk, United regard Kodai Sano as a player with ‘huge potential’ and have added him to the long list of possible targets.
Kodai Sano: Key facts
- Age: 22 (DOB: 26/9/03)
- Position: Central midfield
- Nationality: Japan
- Current club: NEC Nijmegen
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Kodai Sano: The story so far
Kodai Sano began his career in Japan with second-tier side Fagiano Okayama. He made his debut at 18, back in 2022.
Sano played 50 total games for the club, scoring five goals. He then signed for Dutch side NEC Nijmegen in summer 2023.
Since then, Sano has made 96 appearances for NEC, scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists from midfield.
This season has accounted for three of those goals and eight assists. He has helped unfancied NEC to third in the Eredivisie.
Last June he was called up to the Japan squad for the first time. He has two caps and is hoping to earn a late call for this summer’s World Cup, recently featuring in a friendly against Scotland.
Kodai Sano: What has been said
Sano has been linked to Ajax and Feyenoord in recent months, and there has also been interest from other Premier League clubs.
Dutch pundit and former player Anco Jansen told ESPN earlier this season: “He is incredibly good. He is truly unbelievable.
“He is also really special off the ball. Together with Darko Nejasmic, he has to cover incredible spaces. Just look at what he does off the ball with such dedication.”
The same outlet writes that Sano has ‘outgrown’ NEC, noting that he has developed into one of the most complete central midfielders in the Netherlands.
They note: “The Japanese player possesses rare football intelligence, both with and without the ball. He is technically refined as well as a ball winner. Additionally, he possesses the athletic ability to cover the entire pitch.”
Per FotMob, Sano ranks in the top five per cent of players in the Eredivisie for defensive contributions, and the top three per cent for ball recoveries.
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Teammates with Isak Hansen-Aaroen
One of Kodai Sano’s teammates is former Manchester United FA Youth Cup winner, Isak Hansen-Aaroen.
Hansen-Aaroen signed permanently with NEC Nijmegen in the January transfer window, leaving Werder Bremen after an unsuccessful spell.
The Norwegian attacking midfielder has only made three substitute appearances so far.
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