Premier League Club Faces Transfer Competition for Japanese Midfielder
Crystal Palace have reportedly seen an initial bid rejected for NEC Nijmegen midfielder Kodai Sano as multiple European clubs pursue the 22-year-old Japanese international. Transfer negotiations reveal the Premier League side faces competition from German Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg and Dutch giants Ajax ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
Multiple Clubs Prepare Improved Offers
Sources close to negotiations indicate all three clubs are considering enhanced proposals after Nijmegen dismissed opening bids. Ajax’s initial offer reportedly reached €15 million, which would make Sano the most expensive internal transfer in Eredivisie history if accepted. This figure would set a new record for internal transfers within the Dutch top division.
Scouts have praised Sano’s technical abilities, with several analysts describing his recent performances as ‘exceptional’ following his breakthrough season in the Netherlands. The central midfielder has become a key component of Nijmegen’s lineup since joining from Júbilo Iwata in 2022.
Palace’s Deadline Day Activity Intensifies
The South London club continues active recruitment efforts after completing several signings this week. Palace recently secured striker Evann Guessand on loan from Aston Villa and broke their transfer record with Brennan Johnson’s £35 million acquisition from Tottenham Hotspur.
Oliver Glasner’s side are preparing additional moves, having reached provisional terms with Wolverhampton Wanderers for Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. This potential transfer follows complications in Jean-Philippe Mateta’s proposed move to AC Milan, which collapsed due to concerns about the French striker’s recent knee injury.
Transfer market analysts suggest Palace may return with an improved offer for Sano before the deadline as clubs finalize their squads for the upcoming season. The coming hours are expected to determine whether Nijmegen will entertain revised bids for their midfield prospect.
