Liverpool have already signed Victor Munoz and are expected to reinforce their squad further in the summer transfer window.
According to Nikkan Sports – as relayed by Sport Witness – the Reds are readying an offer for Kaishu Sano, who is a defensive midfielder plying his trade for Bundesliga outfit FSV Mainz and the Japan national team.
Andoni Iraola has a bit of a problem at the heart of his midfield as Ryan Gravenberch endured a lukewarm 2025-26 campaign, while Wataru Endo is seemingly past his prime and Stefan Bajcetic’s development has been ravaged by injuries.
And if reports are to be believed, he’s wasting no time in signing another player to address a position that is in desperate need of numbers and quality.
Liverpool readying Kaishu Sano bid
It goes without saying that Liverpool could do well with another deeper midfielder in the squad.
Adam Wharton was linked with a move to Anfield, but those reports have died down since.
And now, according to the aforementioned source, the Reds are readying a ‘big offer’ for Sano, who played 48 games for his club last season.
His availability is a big plus for Liverpool as he would provide cover and competition for Gravenberch, who played every meaningful game under Arne Slot and naturally looked jaded as the season went on.
The report also mentions that Sano has an asking price believed to be in the region of €50m, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund also monitoring him.
Wataru Endo helping hand
The Japanese connection is obvious. Liverpool signed Wataru Endo from the Bundesliga three seasons ago and he also plays a similar role, so all of the aforementioned factors could be important in any deal for Sano.
The 25-year-old played a starring role for Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, providing an assist against Tunisia and scoring a stunner against Brazil.
The asking price isn’t outrageous, either, making this an intriguing prospect for the Reds.
Sano has his prime well ahead of him and has plenty of experience, but it remains to be seen if he’s the one Liverpool turn to this summer.
Iraola needs to show at the top end of the spectrum and add a couple of real matchwinners to his team, as opposed to signing players just to make up the numbers.
Whether or not Sano is that player, however, remains to be seen. But the Reds’ interest is seemingly real and with Japan now out of the World Cup, the next few weeks will tell us if they press ahead with a transfer.
