Who is Takefusa Kubo? £55m Salah replacement, Barcelona and Real Madrid past, Messi leader claim
The latest Liverpool transfer news as the Reds are said to be in advanced negotiations with Real Sociedad over a potential move for the winger this summer.
Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a move for Takefusa Kubo. Arne Slot is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign with the club linked with several players.
Japanese outlet Sponichi Annex claim that negotiations for the winger are in the ‘final stages’ with the player’s agents having already arrived in England. It is said that the Reds will pay a fee of around €65 million (£55m) and the player is positive about joining the club.
The links come amid links in interest from the Saudi Pro League in Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian has just one year remaining on his contract at Anfield, meaning that the club may have to prepare for life without the forward.
If a deal is complete, then Kubo could be seen as a potential long-term replacement for Salah. So, who is Kubo, and what will he bring to the Liverpool squad? ECHO Sport has taken a look.
Who is Takefusa Kubo?
Kubo is a 23-year-old Japan international, who plays predominantly on the right wing. He can however also play in attacking midfield and on the left wing.
He currently plays for La Liga side Real Sociedad having joined from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022. He spent three years with Real Madrid but failed to make an appearance for the club instead spending time on loan with RCD Mallorca and Villarreal.
He also spent some of his youth career in Barcelona’s academy. He returned to Japan to sign for FC Tokyo in 2015.
How did he do last season?
Last season, Kubo played a total of 41 times for Real Sociedad, scoring seven goals and providing five assists. He missed four games in the season due to his participation in the Asia Cup with Japan.
During the tournament, the winger started four of the five games. He scored in the 3-1 win over Bahrain and provided an assist in the 4-2 win over Vietnam.
What is his playing style?
Kubo is known for his dribbling ability with quick feet and a change of pace. An analysis by Breaking the Lines last year said: “The Japanese international loves to move in and around the box and is a constant threat with the ball at his feet, as his pace and dribbling along with his low centre of gravity enable him to change pace and take on his defender, making him an unpredictable threat on the ball.”
The area of improvement that has been pointed out is converting more chances when they arrive. He also may need to be getting into more dangerous goalscoring positions more often.
He was once described as the 'Japanese Messi' by former president of Real Mallorca Maheta Malongo, where Kubo spent time on loan. “He sees things that other people don’t see, the ability to see a pass and pick a long ball…He’s a natural leader and he’s comfortable with the pressure," he said, via the Daily Mail. "He has the ingredients to one day be a superstar.”