Takefusa Kubo to Liverpool transfer addressed by Real Sociedad president

Liverpool have been issued a hands-off warning about Takefusa Kubo by Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay.

The Reds have been linked with a move for the Japanese winger over recent days. Reports in Japan claimed that Liverpool were willing to trigger the £50million release clause written into his current contract.

And now Sociedad chief Aperribay has now spoken out on a potential move to Anfield for Kubo. He has confirmed that no talks have been held at this stage, and he sees Kubo remaining in San Sebastian.

“There is no issue. There are no negotiations with any club," he told Mundo Deportivo. “We’re in the market, anything can happen, but Take is very happy here and he’s going to continue. We love him very much, let’s hope he stays at La Real forever.”

Despite Aperribay’s warning over Kubo’s future, it appears that a number of hints have been dropped regarding a move to Anfield. Speaking in 2019, the winger hailed Liverpool and the way they played under Jurgen Klopp.

“The team I find interesting in terms of football right now is Liverpool,” said Kubo. “When I watch them, I feel like, ‘What an amazing team’. This is a little different from ‘liking’ them, it’s more like, ‘they’re amazing’.”

One of Kubo’s current teammates has also recently green-lit a move to Anfield. Wataru Endo - who moved to Liverpool last summer - claimed recently that he would be an ideal replacement for Mo Salah.

“The search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah has begun, so this is becoming a real area for Liverpool to strengthen," Endo told Abema Sports Time (via The Echo). "I think the player who can replace him, in the [Japan] national team, would be Kubo."

Kubo, 23, has enjoyed a storied career despite his tender years. He started his career in his native Japan before spending four years in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.

The winger signed for Real Madrid in 2019 but never made a first-team appearance for Los Blancos. He was sent out on a series of loan deals before being signed by Real Sociedad two years ago. Kubo has since made 85 appearances for the Spanish side and scored 16 goals in all competitions.

Should Liverpool make a move for him, Kubo would become the Reds’ first signing of the Arne Slot era. They have however identified an alternative with reports suggesting that talks have opened for a move for Wolves winger Pedro Neto.