PSV Eindhoven has officially confirmed the signing of Japanese international Kodai Sano from NEC Nijmegen. The 22-year-old defensive midfielder joins the Eredivisie champions for a club-record transfer fee, marking a significant investment for the Eindhoven side as they prepare for the 2026/27 campaign.
Sano, who arrived at NEC in August 2023 from Fagiano Okayama for a reported €650,000, quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Nijmegen midfield. During his tenure, he made 98 appearances across all competitions and was instrumental in securing NEC’s third-place finish last season—the highest in the club’s history. His departure follows intense interest from European clubs, including Crystal Palace and Hoffenheim, with a potential deal with the latter collapsing in July.
The move to PSV serves as a strategic reinforcement for the team, particularly following the injury to key midfielder Jerdy Schouten. Sano’s arrival provides immediate depth to a squad looking to defend its domestic title and compete on the European stage. The player expressed his enthusiasm regarding the transition, citing the head coach’s personal connection to Japanese football culture and the club’s professional standards as decisive factors in his choice.
Sano’s commitment to the new side was evident during the transition period; he notably declined to participate in NEC’s recent UEFA Champions League qualifier against Olympiacos after the terms between the two Dutch clubs were finalized. Sano is expected to integrate into the squad immediately as PSV continues its preparations for the season opener.