Wataru Endo names Mohamed Salah replacement amid Liverpool stance on Takefusa Kubo
Wataru Endo has backed his international teammate to bed in well on Merseyside amid reports Kubo could be on his way to Anfield
Wataru Endo has named reported Liverpool target Takefusa Kubo as the one Japanese player he would like to join him at Anfield and has backed his international teammate to succeed Mohamed Salah. Kubo has been repeatedly linked with a move to Merseyside this summer, with a number of Japanese outlets reporting the Reds are closing in on a £50.6m deal for the Real Sociedad winger.
According to Sponichi, the 23-year-old's agent has already travelled to England for talks, with negotiations in their final stages. However, the ECHO understands such talk is somewhat premature and, as things stand, there's no suggestion Kubo is on the brink of becoming a Red.
However, Japan captain Endo - who joined Liverpool in a £16.2m deal from Stuttgart last summer - believes his compatriot could be a huge success for Arne Slot's side if a deal were to happen. When asked by Abema Sports Time which Japan player he would like to join him at Liverpool, Endo replied: “Kubo."
He added: “The search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah has begun, so this is becoming a real area for Liverpool to strengthen. I think the player who can replace him, in the national team, would be Kubo."
With Salah's Liverpool contract set to expire next summer, it is no surprise the Reds are already searching for someone to replace their longtime talisman. On paper, Kubo ticks a number of boxes for the club, having already played 225 games at senior level for FC Tokyo, Yokohama F. Marinos, Mallorca, Villarreal, Getafe and current club Sociedad.
His profile as a pacy, left-footed right-winger has inevitably drawn comparisons with Salah himself, however he is yet to show he can be a prolific goalscorer, having managed just 31 goals and assisted another 31 in his 225 club appearances.