Liverpool are close to completing their first signing under new manager Arne Slot, with a deal for Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo nearing its final stages. The Reds have been actively seeking a new right-winger to potentially succeed Mohamed Salah, and Kubo, a highly regarded young talent in La Liga, fits the profile.
Kubo, aged 22, moved to Real Sociedad from Real Madrid for a modest fee of £5.5 million in 2022. Since then, he has amassed 85 appearances for the Spanish club, scoring 16 goals and providing 14 assists. Reports from Japanese outlet Sponichi suggest that Liverpool is close to securing Kubo’s services, with an offer of approximately £55 million accepted for the winger.
As part of the deal, Real Madrid will receive around £27.5 million due to a 50% sell-on clause in Kubo’s contract. Kubo, who plays as a left-footed right-winger, is seen as an ideal replacement for Salah, whose future at Liverpool remains uncertain amid ongoing speculation.
While Salah, aged 29 and with one year left on his contract at Anfield, is not expected to depart this summer, his long-term future with the club is uncertain. He remains a pivotal figure for Liverpool, having scored 25 goals across all competitions last season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk, both crucial figures at Liverpool, are also in the final year of their contracts. When asked about their futures, Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes emphasized that these discussions are private matters between the club and the players. Hughes expressed confidence in the players’ commitment to the upcoming season under manager Arne Slot.
Regardless of Mohamed Salah’s potential departure, it is strategically wise for Liverpool to plan for the future, making Takefusa Kubo an appealing long-term addition to Slot’s squad. Kubo’s versatility allows him to play on the left wing or as an attacking midfielder, providing valuable depth across multiple positions if the deal goes through.
Reports indicate that Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has been monitoring Kubo, praising his performances during a loan spell at Mallorca in 2021/22. Zidane previously acknowledged Kubo’s potential, though Liverpool appears poised to secure his signature despite Real Madrid having a buyback option for £27.5 million as per Kubo’s contract.
If finalized, the acquisition of Kubo would represent a notable addition for Liverpool, highlighting the club’s commitment to planning for the future and bolstering its competitive strength by integrating promising young talent into the squad.
