Liverpool are reportedly willing to make Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo one of their most expensive signings ever, but face stiff competition for the winger.
With Mohamed Salah set to leave the club next summer when he becomes a free agent, Liverpool have started looking for possible replacements.
And if they want to secure long-term success, Arne Slot’s side may have to look at more youthful players than those they already have at their disposal. One such target would be Japan internationally Kubowith the 23-year-old seen as a top talent in his home country and across Europe.
Now, Fichajes claims that the former Real Madrid player is high on Liverpool’s agenda, so much so that they are reportedly willing to spend €80 million to secure his signature.
However, Tottenham and Bayern Munich They are also believed to be in the running to sign the former Villarreal loanee, whose contract runs until the summer of 2029.
If the Reds were to spend that amount for Kubo, it would make him the fourth most expensive recruit – behind Darwin Nunez (£85m), Virgil van Dijk (£75m) and Alisson Becker (£67m).
By the way, reports suggest that Kubo has a release clause of €60 million. So it looks like Liverpool are willing to go well above that target to get their man.
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One person Kubo – who signed for Madrid from FC Tokyo in 2019 but never played a game for Los Blancos – would like to see at Anfield is compatriot Wataru Endo.
The midfielder has seen the rise of the former Mallorca loanee, who has scored 19 goals and provided 14 assists in 101 appearances for Sociedad, and is clearly keen to see him join him at the Premier League giants.
When asked which of his compatriots he would like to play alongside Liverpool, Endo said in July: “Kubo.”
He added: “The search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah has begun, so this will be a real area for Liverpool to strengthen. I think the player who can replace him in the national team is Kubo.”
Whether Endo and Kubo will play alongside each other at Anfield remains to be seen.
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The Reds have also been linked with a transfer Lyon star Rayan Cherkibecause they want to take advantage of the French team’s financial problems.
Some reports suggest the 21-year-old, who is also wanted by Fulham, Paris Saint-Germain and others, could be made available in January for around £25 million (€30 million).
Liverpool face competition for Lille and… English midfielder Angel Gomeswith Manchester United joining the race to sign him.
The 24-year-old is out of contract next summer and has yet to sign a new contract. Moreover, new United boss Ruben Amorim is said to be a fan of the small player.
Finally, Liverpool have no intention of making a signing offer Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni in the January transfer window.
Salah’s replacement?
Mo Salah, Takefusa Kubo league statistics 2023/24
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