Kodai Sano tasked with filling Veerman’s void at PSV

In Eindhoven, PSV have placed their hopes on 22‑year‑old newcomer Kodai Sano, arriving as Joey Veerman’s €22 million successor after the Dutch midfielder’s move to Borussia Dortmund. The 22‑year‑old Japanese midfielder, discovered by NEC three years ago, is expected to link PSV’s midfield with its vulnerable defence.

Big money moves

Joey Veerman left PSV this week for €22 million to Borussia Dortmund, while Ismael Saibari departed earlier for €55 million to Bayern Munich. Both transfers underline PSV’s recent midfield turnover.

How Sano was found

Technical director Carlos Aalbers explained that in 2023 he travelled to Tokyo to watch Koki Ogawa, received a tip about a 19‑year‑old J2 League talent. After seeing the Japan U‑20 match against Argentina, the club gave the green light for a move to NEC.

NEC trainer Rogier Meijer recalled Sano’s first training, saying “Carlos, this will be a big one”. He praised Sano’s game intelligence, dynamism and intensity as typical of a Japanese player but a step above.

NEC stats and transfer fee

During his three‑year spell at NEC, Sano featured in 80 matches, the club paid €0.5 million in 2023 and sold him this summer for €15 million to PSV.

PSV expectations

In Eindhoven the 22‑year‑old Sano is under pressure to bridge midfield and a criticised defence. He debuted last weekend versus Excelsior as an ‘8’ but coach Peter Bosz prefers him as a ‘6’ to add dynamism and cut goals conceded.

Veerman and Saibari faced each other last night in the German Supercup between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund (2‑1).