Fakayejo Paul
Ajax are exploring a late swoop for NEC Nijmegen’s Japanese standout Kodai Sano. As the winter window enters its final 48 hours, the Amsterdam giants have identified the 22-year-old midfielder as a key target to bolster their engine room.
The move comes as a surprise “last-minute” play, with Ajax directors viewing Sano not just as depth, but as a long-term part of the club’s technical project.
The State of Play
- The Interest: Ajax have officially opened talks with NEC to understand the conditions for a deal. Sano, who has a market value of approximately €6 million, is attracting interest from several European sides, including Wolfsburg and Crystal Palace.
- The Player’s Impact: Sano has been a revelation for NEC this season, contributing 1 goal and 3 assists in 17 appearances. His versatility is his biggest asset; while naturally a central midfielder, he has frequently featured as an attack-minded winger or advanced playmaker.
- The Connection: Ajax have been actively strengthening their Japanese contingent, recently adding Takehiro Tomiyasu to a squad that already features Ko Itakura. Adding Sano would further cement the club’s strong ties to the Japanese market.
Why Now?
Ajax are currently overhauling their midfield options. With Kenneth Taylor recently departing for nearly €17 million and negotiations ongoing for Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, Sano is seen as a high-upside, cost-effective replacement.
NEC are reportedly reluctant to sell their star midfielder mid-season given they are currently sitting high in the Eredivisie table, but an offer in the region of €8m–€10m could tempt the Nijmegen board to give the “green light.”