Liverpool could soon make waves in the transfer market with a historic deal for LaLiga star Takefusa Kubo.
According to Japanese outlet Sponichi Annex, the Reds are preparing to offer £55 million for the Real Sociedad winger.
If the deal goes through, it would set a record as the most expensive transfer ever for a Japanese player and establish the highest annual salary for a footballer from Japan, with Liverpool prepared to offer Kubo £12.6 million each year.
At 23, Kubo is reportedly a top target for Liverpool this summer, seen as a potential long-term replacement for Mo Salah.
The Japanese forward has been under the Reds’ watch for several months as they seek a dynamic new addition to their attack.
Maheta Malango, PFA chief executive and former president of Real Mallorca where Kubo previously played, has lauded the winger, calling him the ‘Japanese Messi‘.
Malango emphasized Kubo’s exceptional vision and leadership skills, noting,
“He has an ability to perceive opportunities that others might miss, whether it’s making a precise pass or executing a long ball.
He thrives under pressure and has the qualities that could make him a future star.”
Kubo’s journey has been marked by a rocky start at Real Madrid, where he struggled to make an impact.
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However, he has since revitalized his career at Real Sociedad, contributing 16 goals and 14 assists in 85 appearances over the past two years.
While these numbers are solid, they don’t quite match the prolific output expected of top-tier attackers.
For comparison, Mo Salah scored 25 goals and provided 14 assists in just 44 games last season, highlighting the significant gap Kubo would need to bridge.
Similarly, another reported Liverpool target, Johan Bakayoko, managed 14 goals and 14 assists in 48 matches during the 2023/24 season, showcasing a better goals and assists per game ratio than Kubo.
Despite the impressive talent Kubo possesses, these statistics suggest he has room for improvement to reach the consistency displayed by players like Salah.
However, his potential and growth at Sociedad make him an intriguing prospect for Liverpool.
It’s worth noting that until more reliable sources closer to home confirm these reports, it’s best to take the rumors with a grain of salt.
Nonetheless, with compatriot Wataru Endo already at Anfield, a move for Kubo could bolster Liverpool’s squad with another talented Japanese player, adding both skill and marketing appeal.
It will be really thrilling to see if this groundbreaking transfer materializes, potentially making Takefusa Kubo a historic addition to the Premier League.
