Liverpool enter the summer determined to rebuild after a difficult 2025/26 campaign under Arne Slot.
The Reds finished fifth in the Premier League and also exited both major cup competitions at the quarter-final stage.
That disappointment prompted a managerial change, with Andoni Iraola arriving to lead the next phase at Anfield.
Liverpool have already lost several major figures, including Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate.
Those departures have increased the pressure on the club to strengthen quickly before the new season begins.
The Reds have completed a £60 million move for Jeremy Jacquet and triggered Victor Munoz’s £34.3 million release clause.
However, Iraola has made it clear that Liverpool still need more additions to compete at the highest level.
The club continue to explore attacking options as they search for a long-term successor to Salah.
Bradley Barcola remains under consideration, while Liverpool have also looked at several midfield targets this summer.
According to Sport Bild (via Bulinews), Liverpool are now prepared to pay €60 million for Mainz midfielder Kaishu Sano.
The Japan international impressed at the World Cup and has attracted stronger interest following those performances.
Mainz now expect Sano to leave during the current window after previously signing him for only €2.5 million.
A €60 million transfer would make him the most expensive departure in the German club’s history.
Brajan Gruda currently holds that record after joining Brighton for €31.5 million in 2024.
Sano’s market value stood at €40 million in May before rising further during the World Cup.
Liverpool view the defensive midfielder as another important addition for Iraola’s rebuilding plans.
Sano would bring another long-term option as Liverpool reshape several areas following a turbulent season.
For Mainz, the proposed fee would deliver a remarkable return on their modest investment from 2024.
Liverpool must now decide how quickly they want to advance negotiations and test the German club’s position.
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