Why do Liverpool want Takefusa Kubo?

It has proved a frustrating summer so far for Liverpool supporters, who are still waiting for their club to make any kind of sign.

More deals for young academy stars are in the works but it has been a quiet window in terms of potential income for the senior side. The Reds are one of two Premier League sides yet to add to the squad, with Arne Slot’s first summer focused largely on the training ground rather than the boardroom.

However, there was no shortage of rumors around the gossip columns. Although many do not deserve to be taken seriously, one of the most credible reports suggests that Liverpool are interested in signing Takefusa Kubo. The Real Sociedad star has been mentioned in previous windows, but reports in Japan suggest a deal could take place in the near future.

So who is Takefusa Kubo? And why would Liverpool be interested in his signature?

Despite being born and raised in Japan, Kubo spent much of his career in Spain. The forward spent four years of his youth at Barcelona’s legendary La Masia set-up, but the Catalan giants broke FIFA regulations by signing him, forcing the youngster to return to his homeland to continue his development.

Kubo was snapped up by Tokyo FC and quickly rose through the ranks after a short loan spell with Yokohama F. Marinos. The little starlet from Japan shone and was spotted by Barcelona’s fierce rivals Real Madrid, who quickly signed him in 2019.

He made his first senior appearance in Japan that same year, but understandably found it difficult to break into a star-studded Real Madrid team. Consequently, he was regularly loaned out in the following seasons, with Kubo representing Mallorca (twice), Getafe and Villarreal during spells away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

Kubo made a huge impact in both spells at Mallorca, but was unlikely to win first-team football at Madrid after his loan expired, pushing him towards a permanent exit. He never made a competitive appearance for Los Blancos before cashing in on a £5.5m move to Real Sociedad in 2022.

Since his move to San Sebastian, Kubo has flourished. Still just 23, the striker has scored 16 goals and 14 assists in 85 appearances for the Basque side, while he also has four goals in 35 appearances for Japan.

It has been widely reported that Liverpool are interested in signing a new wide forward during the summer window, with Kubo being a good fit. The ace from Real Sociedad is on the far right and would occupy the same position as Mohamed Salah for the Reds. Given that he is left-footed, it suits him to develop his stronger leg.

While Salah is set to stay at Liverpool for the next campaign, the Egyptian has long been linked with an exit from Anfield as he nears the end of his career. Despite his consistently impressive results at the elite level, Saudi Pro League teams are constantly being touted with a move for the 32-year-old.

Salah’s current contract with Liverpool expires in 2025 and there is no agreement yet on an extension. Regardless of whether he signs a new deal, the Reds need a succession plan for when the legendary forward finally leaves Anfield.

Liverpool currently have no natural right winger apart from Salah. Harvey Elliott can play there but has been converted into a holding midfielder, while youngster Ben Doak is far too raw and inexperienced to be a reliable replacement for Salah. As a result, Kubo could provide the perfect heir to the Egyptian’s golden throne without also being expected to be an instant guaranteed starter.

Kubo’s slight frame may not sit well with Liverpool supporters. At only 5’8 and a lean build, the winger doesn’t boast the same strength and physique as someone like Salah. However, his technical prowess more than makes up for his lack of physicality.

Unsurprisingly, Kubo is an exceptional dribbler and someone incredibly motivated to attack opposing defenders. Its low center of gravity makes it hard to stop, while it also boasts electric speed and fantastic agility.

Last season in La Liga, he ranked in the top 5% of attacking and interior midfielders for progressive carries (5.69) and top 2% for carries into the penalty area (2.64) at 90. Kubo managed also averaged 2.3 successful takes. ons and 28.6 touches in the final third per game.

Crossing is another strong point of the Japanese star. He ranked in the top 13% of his peers in similar positions for crosses attempted per game (6.07) while a cornerback for Real Sociedad. His finishing isn’t exceptional, but it shows his willingness to make things happen in and around the penalty area.

Last term, Kubo managed seven goals and four assists in 30 games for a Real Sociedad side that finished sixth in La Liga. He marginally exceeded his expected goals (+0.15) for the campaign, while a 45.7% shot-on-target percentage was in the top 14% of his position peers.

Former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane was an admirer of Kubo during his time in the capital. Speaking about his loan spell with Mallorca in 2019, the Frenchman said: “I think he’s having a good season. He’s playing a lot and that’s what we all wanted. He’s a very exciting player, for the present and the future. I” I’m happy that he’s doing well.”

Kubo has been labeled the ‘Japanese Messi’ for his agility and excellent left foot, with Mallorca boss Maheta Molango also full of praise for the 2019 forward during his time at the club.

“Kubo is very focused, very professional. This is also due to his family, they are very humble and hardworking. His talent is obvious, but the reason he will one day be a football superstar is his head,” said Molango. .

“He sees things that others don’t, the ability to see a pass and pick a long ball. His intelligence is outstanding. He is very technically skilled but also very brave, he is not afraid of the ball and to take responsibility.”

Reports of Kubo’s potential move to Liverpool first emerged in Japan via Annex Sponichia fairly reliable source in the country.

However, reliable sources at Liverpool are yet to confirm or deny these reports, with suggestions that the Reds are close to completing a deal perhaps a tad optimistic. Liverpool have been linked with Kubo in previous windows, but supporters will have to wait for something more concrete before getting their hopes up.

If a deal were to be done, Kubo would reportedly set Liverpool back around £50m due to a release clause in his contract. Whether or not the Reds could negotiate that fee remains to be seen.

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