# Kaishu Sano transfer negotiations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kaishu-sano-transfer-negotiations > Updated: 2026-09-01T18:38:37.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 4. As the Bundesliga transfer window drew to a close in late August, the future of Kaishu Sano remained uncertain. Mainz 05 had established an August 27 deadline for negotiations to ensure the club could secure a successor if the Japanese midfielder were sold. While interest had been linked to several clubs, including Liverpool, Newcastle United, and RB Leipzig, concrete negotiations at the club’s required valuation levels had not materialized. On the final day of the transfer window, Mainz 05 rejected a transfer offer of approximately €30 million from an unnamed Premier League club. Although some reports, including from the BBC, suggested Crystal Palace had entered negotiations, no agreement was reached. Further details emerged regarding the rejected bid from Crystal Palace, which was reportedly in the region of €30 million (approximately £24 million). Despite Crystal Palace reportedly having a private jet waiting at Frankfurt Airport to facilitate the move, negotiations failed. Mainz officials, including sporting CEO Christian Heidel, declined the offer because the club was unwilling to let the key player depart without sufficient time to find a replacement. Some reports suggest Mainz was seeking a valuation closer to €60 million. Christian Heidel confirmed that Sano will remain with the team and is expected to stay through the 2026/27 season. The 25-year-old, who joined Mainz in 2024 and is under contract until 2028, remains a key player for the Bundesliga side. ## Claims - Kaishu Sano is a 25-year-old midfielder for Mainz 05. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Sano scored for Japan against Brazil at the World Cup. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Christian Heidel said Mainz would consider a bid that 'leaves us gasping for air'. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham have shown interest in Sano. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The bid amount discussed is around €60 million. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Sano is under contract with Mainz until 2028. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Mainz could keep Sano if no suitable offer arrives. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Sano has made 119 appearances for Mainz since joining in 2024 for a €2.5 million fee. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-01: Mainz 05 rejects €30m Crystal Palace offer for Kaishu Sano Mainz 05 rejected a €30 million transfer offer from Crystal Palace for Japanese midfielder Kaishu Sano on transfer deadline day, opting to retain the player for the upcoming season. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mainz-05-rejects-30-million-euro-offer-for-kaishu-sano ### 2026-08-27: Kaishu Sano transfer status remains uncertain at Mainz 05 Mainz 05 midfielder Kaishu Sano faces a transfer deadline of August 27, though he is expected to remain with the club unless a massive offer exceeding 50 million euros is received. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kaishu-sano-transfer-status-remains-uncertain-at-mainz-05 ### 2026-07-30: Kaishu Sano transfer saga: Mainz says it will consider €60m offer Mainz will consider selling Japanese midfielder Kaishu Sano if a €60 million offer arrives, with Liverpool and other Premier League clubs interested. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-midfielder-sano-kaishu-attracts-transfer-offers-sparks-leadership-debate ### 2026-07-04: Liverpool pursues Mainz midfielder Kaishu Sano Mainz is open to offers for Japanese midfielder Kaishu Sano, valued at €60 million, and Liverpool are listed as a possible buyer. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/liverpool-pursues-mainz-midfielder-kaishu-sano --- Cite as: Kaishu Sano transfer negotiations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kaishu-sano-transfer-negotiations