NEC Nijmegen director Wilco van Schaik has shed light on the transfer saga surrounding Kodai Sano, revealing the inner workings behind the Japanese midfielder’s departure and a separate record-breaking deal that ultimately fell through during the summer transfer window.
Speaking on the Dutch broadcast program Goedemorgen Eredivisie, Van Schaik addressed the complicated sequence of events that led to Sano’s eventual move to PSV Eindhoven. According to the NEC director, negotiations initially flared up when a prospective transfer to German club Hoffenheim collapsed. Following that setback, club officials, Sano, and his management team reached a clear internal agreement: the midfielder would refocus entirely on NEC’s upcoming UEFA Champions League qualification matches against Greek side Olympiacos.
The Olympiacos Fixture and PSV’s Pursuit
While PSV Eindhoven remained fully aware of the arrangement between NEC and their player, the two clubs had not yet finalized a definitive agreement regarding Sano’s immediate availability for the European fixtures. The situation shifted dramatically on the eve of the first match against Olympiacos.
Club leadership and head coach Dick Schreuder observed that Sano no longer appeared fully concentrated on the upcoming test. Following swift internal consultations, Schreuder and the NEC management took the decisive step to drop the Japanese midfielder from the matchday squad.
Van Schaik described the removal as a disappointing necessity while maintaining a measured view of the young midfielder. The NEC director noted that he holds understanding for the player, suggesting that outside voices within Sano’s immediate circle had exerted influence over him during a turbulent market period.
From Okayama to Nijmegen to Eindhoven
Despite the tense weeks leading up to his exit, Sano eventually completed a permanent transfer to PSV Eindhoven, commanding a record transfer fee for NEC. Van Schaik expressed immense pride in the player’s upward trajectory since arriving in the Netherlands from Fagiano Okayama in 2023.
Van Schaik also credited head coach Dick Schreuder for maintaining stability within the broader squad amid intense media scrutiny and transfer speculation. At the same time, the club director acknowledged Schreuder’s frustration concerning ongoing defensive frailties.
Defensive Struggles and a Missed Record Deal
NEC’s backline remains a pressing concern for the technical staff following defensive lapses that contributed to conceding two goals against Telstar. Squad depth has been hampered by fitness setbacks; Tobias Storm is not yet fully fit, while new defensive acquisition Perr Schuurs remains sidelined with an injury.
Technical director Carlos Aalbers continues scouring the market for defensive reinforcements. Van Schaik disclosed that several potential defensive transfers collapsed on deadline day due to a combination of physical injuries and personal circumstances. In one instance, NEC was fully prepared to break their club record to secure a single defensive target, but that agreement ultimately fell apart.
Despite fierce market competition and recent missed opportunities, NEC management confirmed the club will remain active before the transfer window closes.
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