Liverpool willing to pay $69M for World Cup star who cost $3M just two years ago…

Liverpool is prepared to invest $69 million in a World Cup star who was acquired for just $3 million two years ago.

The Reds have already secured the services of winger Victor Munoz and defender Jeremy Jacquet this summer, but they are anticipated to further their transfer activities.

Kaishu Sano, a 25-year-old Japanese defensive midfielder, is reportedly on Liverpool’s radar for a summer move.

Sano gained widespread recognition in soccer after netting a goal against Brazil during the World Cup knockout stages. His goal provided Japan with an unexpected lead against the five-time champions, who ultimately came back to win the thrilling match in Houston, Texas.

In recent years, Sano has established himself as a key player in Japan’s national team, earning 16 senior caps thus far. His market value has surged since he transferred from Japanese club Kashima Antlers to German team Mainz for €2.5 million (approximately $3 million) two years ago.

Liverpool is looking to bolster their squad in various positions this summer, particularly in defensive midfield. Reports from Japan last month indicated the Reds’ interest in Sano, and now German publication Bild has corroborated this transfer speculation.

It is reported that Liverpool is willing to pay €60 million ($69 million) to secure Sano’s services this summer.

Sano has received accolades for his stamina and defensive skills, attributes that Liverpool notably lacked in midfield last season.

During the 2024/25 season, his first in Germany, he covered more ground than any other player in the Bundesliga.

Although $69 million is a considerable sum for a player without Premier League experience, it pales in comparison to the £116 million ($155 million) that Manchester City recently paid Nottingham Forest for fellow defensive midfielder Elliott Anderson.

In addition to strengthening their midfield, Liverpool is also expected to enhance their defense and attack. While they have welcomed winger Victor Munoz and defender Jeremy Jacquet, they have bid farewell to Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate.

New Reds manager Andoni Iraola will also be without Hugo Ekitike for a significant portion of the upcoming season as he continues to recover from an Achilles tendon injury. It remains uncertain whether Ekitike will be able to play at all in the next 12 months.

Sano’s goal against Brazil was remarkable. The midfielder seized a loose pass at the halfway line and surged down the center of the field. He then struck a low shot into the bottom corner from approximately 25 yards out, giving Japan a lead in the first half.

Brazil responded just before the hour mark with a goal from Casemiro, and Gabriel Martinelli netted a last-minute winner to secure victory over Japan. Subsequently, the Brazilians were eliminated from the World Cup by Norway in the round of 16.

“I believe results are paramount, and I am truly disappointed because this team did not deserve to end this way,” Sano expressed after the match.

“However, to lose in such a manner at the very end makes me feel as though we are not good enough, yet I believe what we have been doing is not wrong. I think we can take pride in what we have accomplished.”