However, there have been no shortage of rumours pinging around the gossip columns. While many are not worth taking seriously, one of the more credible reports suggests that Liverpool are interested in signing Takefusa Kubo. The Real Sociedad star has been mentioned in previous windows, but reports from Japan suggest a deal could happen in the near future.

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

Kubo has spent most of his career in Spain / Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/GettyImages

Despite being born and raised in Japan, Kubo has spent much of his career in Spain. The forward spent four years of his youth in Barcelona’s fabled La Masia setup, but the Catalan giants had breached 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 following a brief loan spell with Yokohama F. Marinos. The diminutive Japan starlet shone and was identified by Barcelona’s fierce rivals Real Madrid, who swiftly signed him in 2019.

In the same year, he made his first senior Japan appearance, but he understandably found it difficult to break into a star-studded Real Madrid side. As a result, he was regularly shipped out on loan over the subsequent seasons, with Kubo representing Mallorca (twice), Getafe and Villarreal during stints away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

Kubo was particularly impactful during both spells at Mallorca but was unlikely to earn first-team football in Madrid following the expiration of his loan, pushing him towards a permanent exit. He never made a competitive appearance for Los Blancos before sealing a £5.5m move to Real Sociedad in 2022.

Since his switch to San Sebastian, Kubo has blossomed. Still only 23, the attacker has produced 16 goals and 14 assists in 85 appearances for the Basque outfit, while he also has four goals in 35 appearances for the Japan national team.

What position does Takefusa Kubo play?

Kubo would be an ideal replacement for Mohamed Salah / Kenta Harada/GettyImages

It’s been widely reported that Liverpool are interested in signing a new wide forward during the summer window, with Kubo fitting the bill. The Real Sociedad ace is a right winger and he would occupy the same position as Mohamed Salah for the Reds. Given he’s left-footed, he’s suited to cutting in on his stronger foot.

While Salah is set to stay at Liverpool for the upcoming campaign, the Egyptian has long been linked with an Anfield exit as he approaches the end of his career. Despite his continually impressive output at the elite level, Saudi Pro League sides are consistently touted with a move for the 32-year-old.

Salah’s current Liverpool contract expires in 2025 and there is yet to be any agreement on an extension. Regardless of whether he pens a new deal, the Reds need a succession plan for when the legendary forward finally quits Anfield.

Liverpool don’t have any natural right wingers besides Salah at present. Harvey Elliott can play there but has been transformed into a midfielder, while young 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, while also not expecting to be a guaranteed starter instantly.

What are Takefusa Kubo’s strengths?

Kubo is an excellent dribbler / Ion Alcoba Beitia/GettyImages

Kubo’s slight frame may not sit well with Liverpool supporters. The winger is just 5’8 and skinny in build, not boasting the same strength and physique as someone like Salah. However, his technical prowess more than makes up for his lack of physicality.

Rather unsurprisingly, Kubo is an exceptional dribbler and someone incredibly motivated to attack opposition full-backs. His low centre of gravity makes him difficult to stop, while he also boasts electric speed and fantastic agility.

In La Liga last season, he ranked in the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers for progressive carries (5.69) and top 2% for carries into the penalty area (2.64) per 90. Kubo also managed an average of 2.3 successful take-ons and 28.6 touches in the final third every match.

Crossing is another strength of the Japan star’s. He sat in the top 13% among his peers in similar positions for crosses attempted per game (6.07), while he is a keen corner taker for Real Sociedad. His pass completion is not 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 matches for a Real Sociedad side that finished sixth in La Liga. He marginally outperformed his expected goals tally (+0.15) for the campaign, while a shot-on-target percentage of 45.7% was among the top 14% of his positional peers.

What has been said about Takefusa Kubo?

Kubo has been compared to Lionel Messi / Soccrates Images/GettyImages

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 stated: “I think he’s having a good season. He’s playing a lot and that’s what we all wanted. He is a very interesting player, for the present and the future. I’m happy he’s doing well.”

Kubo has been labelled the ‘Japanese Messi’ for his nimbleness and excellent left foot, with Mallorca chief Maheta Molango also full of praise for the forward back in 2019 during his stint at the club.

“Kubo is very focused, very professional. That’s also down to his family, they’re very humble and hard-working. His talent is obvious, but the reason why he will one day be a football superstar is his head,” stated Molango.

“He sees things that other people don’t see, the ability to see a pass and pick a long ball. His intelligence is outstanding. He is very skilled technically but also very brave, he’s not scared of the ball and of taking on responsibility.”

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

However, reliable Liverpool sources are yet to confirm or deny these reports, with suggestions that the Reds are on the verge of finalising a deal perhaps a little 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 was to be done, it’s reported that Kubo would set Liverpool back approximately £50m due to a release clause in his contract. It remains to be seen whether or not the Reds would be able to negotiate that fee.