Arne Slot may finally be nearing his first signing as Liverpool boss.
The Reds are two weeks into their pre-season training and will soon travel to the United States to continue their preparations against Real Betis, Arsenal and Manchester United. The Dutch coach is overseeing a new era at Anfield after taking the reins from Jurgen Klopp.
Slot has so far only been able to introduce his ethos on the training pitch, but will be hopeful that a new signing or two can aid his progress ahead of the Premier League season. Liverpool want to reinforce their backline but a more attacking option could arrive first.
According to reports in Japan, the six-times European Champions are said to be nearing a deal for Takefusa Kubo. Mirror Football take a look at the prospective signing.
Who is Takefusa Kubo?
Takefusa Kubo is a 23-year-old winger who plies his trade for Real Sociedad. After being recognised as a player of a high potential as a youngster, Kubo was labelled with the moniker of the 'Japanese Messi'.
The La Liga star has been capped 35 times for Japan and scored seven goals and provided four assists in 30 appearances last term in the league and featured in each of Sociedad's Champions League matches. Kubo currently has a contract until 2029 in the Basque country. The winger extended his deal in February.
It is said that the player has already started learning English and is proficient enough to conduct an interview. The presence of Wataru Endo on Merseyside is seen as a positive factor.
How much will he cost?
Japanese outlet Sponichi Annex report that negotiations are at the 'final stages' and that both the transfer fee and his contract will be national records. A figure of £50.5million has been touted for his services, while Kubo could earn £12.6m-a-year after arriving at Anfield.
Kubo's journey
After spending time with Tokyo Verdy and Kawasaka Frontale, Kubo was invited to join Barcelona's La Masia. The Japanese star progressed through the age groups before being delcared ineligible to represent the Catalan side when they were judged to have broken FIFA's international transfer policy for under-18s. Aged 13, Kubo returned to Japan to sign with FC Tokyo.
By the age of 15, Kubo set a J.League record when he made his professional debut and also became the youngest player to score in the division. Kubo's progress saw him earn a move to Real Madrid by 2019.
A series of loans followed as Kubo played for Mallorca, Villarreal and Getafe. In 2022, Real Sociedad agreed a £5.5m deal to sign Kubo from Los Blancos for 50 per cent of his playing rights. Real would have the opportunity to match any fee agreed for Kubo.
Zidane's verdict
Kubo never made his debut for Real Madrid's first team but did spend some time with the squad. The Japan international made an early impression on boss Zinedine Zidane, who was impressed with his first loan away from the club.
Speaking ahead of Les Merengues’s clash with Mallorca in 2019, the World Cup-winner said: "I think he’s having a good season. He’s playing a lot and that’s what we all wanted. He is a very interesting player, for the present and the future. I’m happy he’s doing well.
"Of course, if he were to stay at home tomorrow then that’d be better. But, I wish him the best and urge him to continue like this. His future, though, we won’t decide until the summer. That’s something for later."