Will Sano stay? Mainz boss eyes hopeful signs

Kaishu Sano continues to impress at FSV Mainz 05. The Japanese fullback has even featured in the club's final pre-season friendly, fuelling hopes that what seemed like an impossible deal could actually happen. According to kicker, manager Bo Svensson Bungert has struck an optimistic tone about the prospects of keeping the player at the Bundesliga club.

Sano's presence in training and friendly matches signals that negotiations are moving in the right direction. His pre-season performances have boosted confidence within the squad about the viability of an agreement that recently seemed out of reach.