Sano, 22, joined NEC from Fagiano Okayama in August 2023 for a reported fee of €650,000. The defensive midfielder has since become a crucial player for NEC, for whom he played 98 games across all competitions. Sano was instrumental in NEC's third-place finish last season, their best in club history.
The Nijmegen club reported a "club record fee" for Sano.
The 2-time Japanese international was in the squad for NEC's maiden UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday against Olympiacos, but refused to play after an agreement was reached between NEC and PSV.
“I see this transfer as the ideal next step in my career,” Sano said on the club website.
“PSV are a top club; you can see that in everything they do. What’s more, the head coach’s character and style of play really appeal to me. He even speaks a little Japanese, thanks to his own time at JEF United. That’s brilliant, of course. I can’t wait to take to the pitch here. I’m going to give my all for PSV, day in, day out.”
Sano had been a popular transfer target for longer, with Crystal Palace and Hoffenheim reportedly coming close to signing him in January and earlier this summer. A Hoffenheim move broke down in July, giving PSV the chance to swoop up Sano, who'll fill in for the injured Jerdy Schouten.
Paul Winters is Flashscore's Netherlands country manager, having previously worked for Flashscore's Netherlands desk. Paul is an expert on the Eredivisie and also specialises in the NFL, as well as a plethora of other sports. Residing in 'sunny' Katwijk, you can follow all of the news from the Netherlands here.
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