VfB Stuttgart have identified NEC Nijmegen midfielder Kodai Sano as a summer transfer target, according to Omroep Gelderland. The 22-year-old Japanese international has enjoyed a breakout season in the Eredivisie, attracting attention from several clubs across Europe.
Sano’s potential move to the Bundesliga side would continue a recent trend of Japanese players joining Stuttgart, following the arrivals of Wataru Endo and Hiroki Ito. He primarily operates as a box-to-box midfielder, known for his pressing resistance and ability to contribute both defensively and in attack. Last season, Sano featured in 39 competitive matches for Nijmegen, scoring three goals and providing seven assists.
Interest in Sano is not new, with Ajax Amsterdam and Nottingham Forest previously expressing an interest in securing his services. However, Nijmegen blocked any potential transfer last summer, deeming him a crucial component of their squad. The club’s decision proved well-founded, as Sano played a significant role in their impressive third-place finish in the Eredivisie, a result that still leaves them with a chance to qualify for the Champions League.
Competition for Sano’s signature is expected to be fierce, with PSV Eindhoven also reportedly monitoring the player. PSV view Sano as a potential replacement for Ismael Saibari, who is nearing a transfer to Bayern Munich. Nijmegen will likely be reluctant to sell a key player without receiving a substantial offer, but Stuttgart’s recent success and growing Japanese contingent could prove to be persuasive factors. The transfer could provide Stuttgart with further midfield depth as they prepare for a potential Champions League campaign, while offering Sano the opportunity to test himself in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
