Liverpool are reportedly preparing a €65m move for Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.
The 23-year-old Japanese international has been dubbed the “Japanese Messi” and has been impressive in La Liga, winning Real Sociedad’s Player of the Season award in his first campaign with the club.
Kubo, a left-footed right winger, demonstrates similar traits to Salah and could be an ideal replacement for the Egyptian forward.
Liverpool are set to pay around £55m for Kubo, and the player’s representatives have already travelled to England for talks.
The signing would be a major one for Liverpool, who are entering a new era under manager Arne Slot after Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
Salah has entered the final year of his contract, along with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Liverpool have ruled out selling him this summer even if he does not sign a new deal.
Kubo, who previously played for Real Madrid and had loan spells at Mallorca, Villarreal, and Getafe, has 16 goals and 14 assists in 85 appearances across all competitions for Real Sociedad.
He was instrumental in their return to the Champions League for the 2023-24 season.
The Japanese winger is credited with being a fast, skilful right winger who can become a “football superstar” according to one of Mallorca’s former executives.
Liverpool already have attacking options like Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, and Diogo Jota, but Kubo would offer something different as a left-footed winger.
If Kubo completes a move to Anfield, he will become the seventh Japanese player to feature in the Premier League next season.
The signing would certainly be a major one for Liverpool as they look to build for the future and potentially replace a club legend in Mohamed Salah.
