Kodai Sano feels at home after making PSV debut at Excelsior

Kodai Sano says he has received a warm welcome at PSV after making his first appearance for the Eindhoven club in Saturday evening’s 2-1 away win over Excelsior.

The 22-year-old midfielder entered shortly after the hour mark, replacing Paul Wanner with the final score already established. Sano had two opportunities to add a goal on his debut but was unable to convert either chance.

Speaking after the match, Sano highlighted how easy his new team-mates and coach had made his arrival. “I felt welcome,” he said, as quoted by FCUpdate. Guus Til was singled out as one of the first players to make a particular effort to connect with him, although Sano amusingly referred to the PSV midfielder as “Til Guus”. He explained that he already recognised many of the players from facing them in matches, but had not previously had the chance to build a personal connection.

Sano joined PSV from NEC the previous week. According to the report, PSV will pay a base fee of at least €14.5 million for the Japanese midfielder, with bonuses potentially taking the total to around €17 million. His first outing therefore provided an early introduction to his new surroundings, even if a debut goal and complete command of his colleagues’ names will have to wait.