Liverpool are back to doing what they do best in the market under the watchful eye of the sport’s premier shadow-dweller, Michael Edwards.
The former sporting director-turned-CEO-of-Football has gone up in the world since Jurgen Klopp’s exit, with Richard Hughes taking his former place. However, it’s far from surprising that the Merseysiders’ dealings in the transfer market have become shrouded in mystery once again.
One Japanese outlet did claim to have pierced through said veil with news of the club’s alleged interest in Takefusa Kubo.
However, as one reporter rightly notes, the Japan international’s telling presence for Real Sociedad’s upcoming friendly in Japan would indicate that any talks (if genuine) are far from being “in the final stages”.
“Reports in Japan have strongly linked Liverpool with a move for Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo. Sports newspaper Sponichi claimed that negotiations were “in the final stages” with Liverpool set to pay his €60million release clause. However, senior sources at Liverpool and Real Sociedad have dismissed those suggestions. Kubo has flown out with Real Sociedad to Japan before Thursday’s friendly against Gamba Osaka,” James Pearce reported for The Athletic.
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The La Liga wide man registered 11 goal contributions in 30 games in the Spanish top-flight last term.
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Who is Takefusa Kubo?
It might surprise some to know that the Japanese international was once on the books at Real Madrid.
Following a number of loan spells with RCD Mallorca, Villarreal and Getafe, the 23-year-old became the first Japanese star to play for Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022.
Kubo’s registered 30 goal contributions in 85 games since that point, at a rate of one goal or assist every 195.03 minutes.
It’s not the most tantalising of hit rates, it has to be said, though the player is still far away enough from his peak for a prospective suitor to realise the full scope of his potential.
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