Tottenham Hotspur Keeping A Keen Eye On This Bundesliga Midfielder: Should Frank Go For Him? | OneFootball

In a recent segment on Youtube with Last Word on Spurs, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are keeping a keen eye on Mainz midfielder Kaishu Sano this summer.

Jacobs said, “Kaishu Sano, who is at the Bundesliga side Mainz, is another player that Tottenham really like. He’s an extremely combative number six who is capable of moving between the lines, winning aerial duels, but a bit like Moises Caicedo, is a very progressive passer, who you sort of see a lot of underrated attacking qualities about.

“He’s not just your standard engine room and ball winner. He’s also very good at, after he’s won it, getting his head up and working out where there’s an incisive pass to be played. And that’s why he is so effective playing in a counterattacking side. That’s also maybe another name to watch.”

Sano’s Impressive Form In German Football

Sano had a solid campaign at the German club after he put in a string of eye-catching displays for them at the centre of the park. The 24-year-old made 36 appearances for Mainz last season but failed to score or create a goal for them across multiple competitions.

The Japanese talent made 61 tackles, 66 blocks and 65 interceptions in the Bundesliga. He has even been tidy when distributing possession from midfield after making 80.1% of his attempted passes in the top tier of German football (stats via fbref.com).

SUITA, JAPAN – JUNE 10: Kaishu Sano of Japan is seen during the FIFA World Cup Asian Third Qualifier Group C match between Japan and Indonesia at Panasonic Stadium Suita on June 10, 2025 in Suita, Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)

Should Tottenham Hotspur Boss Thomas Frank Go For Sano?

Sano is a tough-tackling midfielder who can scan the danger well to secure the ball back for his team at the centre of the park. He usually puts his foot through the ball when required and is an accurate passer of the ball as well.

The Japan international is full of energy and running but needs to find a way to add more goals and assists to his game. Furthermore, there are some concerns over whether he would be able to adapt to the physicality and high intensity of the Premier League.

Sano would add more bite and steel to Tottenham boss Thomas Frank’s midfield. He has what it takes to challenge for regular first-team football at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.

At 24, Sano’s best years are ahead of him which makes him a good choice for Spurs to consider this summer. With all things considered, Frank should focus on going for a midfielder of his skill set this off-season.