- Palace tracking Kodai Sano
- Japanese star has shone this season
- World Cup could increase his price tag
Crystal Palace remain interested in Japanese midfielder Kodai Sano, who was the target of a bid from the Eagles during the January window. Sano has been a key figure for Eredivisie side NEC NIjmegen, who are flying high in third place in the Dutch first division.
Palace lodged a late bid in January for Sano, which was swiftly rejected by NEC. The midfielder has been primed as an ideal long-term option for the Eagle’s squad, which could lose Adam Wharton should the mounting interest in the English international result in a generous bid.
According to the Daily Mail, Palace remain interested having followed his campaign closely.
Sano’s superb season in the Netherlands will have only increased his price tag, and a strong World Cup with Japan would only elevate his status and draw further attention to him.
Sano on Fire
The 22-year-old is an all-action midfielder, who has been a key part of NEC’s superb season so far. His performances earned him a place in the Eredivisie team of the season.
Three goals and seven assists decorate Sano’s 2025/26 campaign, with the Japanese international outperforming his expected goals by over double. He boasts strong passing numbers too, and demonstrates an eye for a key pass, creating 1.4 big chances per game.
Watching Sano play is always enjoyable. His ability on the ball, and the way he uses his body to evade challenges is superbly consistent. His favoured move is a body feint, dropping his shoulder consistently as he utilises his low centre of gravity.
The strength that he possesses as he dribbles is quite shocking for a player of his stature. He is clearly an extremely intelligent footballer.
Sano’s goalscoring ability is also something which would be a welcome addition at Palace. Three goals is not incredible, but it is more than Wharton, Hughes, Kamada and Lerma have combined all season. The nature of his goals is what stands out. An absolute wand of a left foot allows him to strike from range and consistently force saves.
A combative, hard working and well-rounded midfield option, Sano would be an absolute shoe-in if Palace were to make the decision to buy him.
Palace face sure competition
Should Sano continue to perform in the same manner at this Summer’s World Cup, there is no doubt that competition for his signing would increase. This is a deal that Palace will be hoping to execute with speed and precision.
It’s also a pretty safe transfer, carrying little risk. Whilst he has had a superb season, Sano is unlikely to fetch a price higher than £25-£30 million, and at only 22-years-old, there is clear opportunity for resale value with this player.
This is certainly one to watch going forward.
