Sano, a Japan international, scored three goals and contributed eight assists across 37 appearances as NEC finished third in the Eredivisie — their highest league position in years. The defensive midfielder, who can also operate in a more advanced central role, has drawn interest from clubs across multiple countries this summer.
PSV Eindhoven are also among those interested, and in the Premier League, Crystal Palace had a winter approach rejected when NEC refused to sanction any departures. Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest have also been tracking his progress.
In Germany, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Schalke have all been linked. NEC rejected a €20m bid from Nottingham Forest in the January window and are expected to demand at least that figure to consider a sale. The club are under no obligation to sell — Sano is contracted until June 2028 — and they are expected to hold firm on their valuation.
Sano arrived at NEC from Fagiano Okayama in the Japanese second division for a modest fee in 2023 and has since developed rapidly, earning a senior Japan call-up last year. He has now made 96 appearances for the Dutch club across all competitions.
Manchester United regard him as a player of significant potential and a more cost-effective option than the established English midfielders on their radar — a summer in which the club are targeting two central midfielders alongside a left-back and a senior striker.