Cheaper alternatives to Kodai Sano
CM/CDMNEC Nijmegen · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitKodai Sano's profile ↗
Kodai Sano is a central midfielder/defensive midfielder for NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie, with 34 appearances in the 2025/26 season. For those seeking a cheaper alternative to Sano, players like Filip Krastev from PEC Zwolle (fit 86/100, value €3m) and Eric Ebimbe of Eintracht Frankfurt (fit 86/100, value €6m) offer similar roles at a lower market value.
12 cheaper alternatives to Kodai Sano
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Filip Krastevsimilar↗ | PEC Zwolle | 25 | €2.9m | 92 | 86 |
| 2 | Eric Ebimbesimilar↗ | Eintracht Frankfurt | 26 | €6.5m | 91 | 86 |
| 3 | Cameron Puertassimilar↗ | Royale Union Saint-Gilloise | 28 | €6.8m | 89 | 85 |
| 4 | Edu Expósitosimilar↗ | Espanyol | 30 | €4.5m | 91 | 85 |
| 5 | Abdelkahar Kadrisimilar↗ | KV Kortrijk | 26 | €2.6m | 91 | 85 |
| 6 | Juninho Bacunasimilar↗ | Birmingham City | 29 | €1.8m | 89 | 84 |
| 7 | Ross Barkleysimilar↗ | Luton Town | 33 | €3.6m | 95 | 84 |
| 8 | Félix Lemaréchalsimilar↗ | Cercle Brugge | 23 | €6.5m | 92 | 84 |
| 9 | Kevin Sessasimilar↗ | 1. FC Heidenheim | 26 | €800k | 87 | 84 |
| 10 | Irakli Yegoiansimilar↗ | Excelsior | 22 | €1.7m | 88 | 84 |
| 11 | Gjivai Zechiëlsimilar↗ | FC Utrecht | 22 | €11m | 87 | 84 |
| 12 | Ivan Ilićsimilar↗ | Torino | 25 | €6.8m | 88 | 83 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · data: Sofascore, last 3 seasons
Why these players match Kodai Sano
≈ 100% Kodai Sano · strong: Successful dribbles, Possession won in att. third · medium reliability
Strengths: Successful dribbles /90, Possession won in att. third /90, Duels won /90
≈ 100% Kodai Sano · strong: Successful dribbles, Shots · medium reliability
Strengths: Successful dribbles /90, Shots /90, Possession won in att. third /90
≈ 100% Kodai Sano · strong: Sofascore rating, Key passes · low reliability
Strengths: Sofascore rating, Key passes /90, Shots /90
FAQ
What is the cheapest alternative to Kodai Sano?
Juninho Bacuna (Birmingham City) is among the most affordable similar profiles, at roughly €1.8m with a 84/100 match to Kodai Sano.
Who is the best-value alternative to Kodai Sano?
Filip Krastev offers the best balance of fit and price among the alternatives, rated 86/100 at about €2.9m.
How does Doppel choose alternatives to Kodai Sano?
Doppel ranks players in the same detailed position (central midfielder) by how closely they match Kodai Sano's statistical profile, then keeps those priced below him — league-strength adjusted, top leagues across Europe and South America, last 3 seasons.
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