PSV Eindhoven has withdrawn from transfer negotiations with NEC Nijmegen for Japanese midfielder Kodai Sano, as of July 24, 2026.
The Eredivisie champions refused to meet NEC's valuation, which ranges between €18 million and €20 million including bonuses, according to reports from Eindhovens Dagblad and De Telegraaf.
NEC remains firm on its asking price for the 22-year-old, who is under contract until 2028.
Talks will only resume if the club significantly lowers its financial demands.
This marks the third failed transfer attempt for Sano in recent months.
Potential moves to Ajax and Nottingham Forest collapsed during the winter transfer window after NEC refused to sell.
A more recent deal with German Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim fell through when the club opted to sign Belgian midfielder Nathan De Cat from Anderlecht instead.
Sano acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future. "I estimate the chance that I leave at 50 percent," he said.
"I feel good. My focus is on NEC and mentally it is okay.
I can easily switch in my mind. That is necessary."
The midfielder added that a transfer is always difficult, but he remains open to possibilities while his representative handles discussions.
"Nothing is certain, but I like playing football and with NEC we are now focusing on the European match in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, my agent is working for me. Everything is open, that is how I see it myself."
Sano denied speaking directly with PSV or any Premier League club. "There are a lot of rumors.
PSV? No, I have not spoken with them.
No, not with a club in the Premier League either. But I have played two years for NEC now and am open to a transfer.
Whether it will happen? Fifty-fifty.
I can go or I don't go."
The midfielder expressed his desire to follow his older brother Kaishu Sano, who plays for FSV Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga.
"My brother has inspired me. I want to be there next time too.
That is my big dream."
NEC Open to Sale with Right Offer
NEC technical director Carlos Aalbers confirmed the club is willing to sell Sano if a suitable offer arrives ahead of Champions League qualification matches.
"That transfer will happen, but there must be a market-conforming price on the table."
Aalbers noted that NEC had agreed to terms with Hoffenheim before the German club pulled out. "We acted neatly towards Hoffenheim.
We wanted to cooperate and the price was good, but at the last moment it didn't go through.
That too is football."
