Liverpool’s New Era and Kubo’s Potential Transfer
Liverpool are on the verge of signing Real Sociedad’s Japanese sensation Takefusa Kubo, who is expected to be Arne Slot’s first significant acquisition as he takes over from Jurgen Klopp. As the Reds embark on a new chapter with Slot at the helm, reports from Japan indicate that Kubo is close to sealing a move to Anfield.
Negotiations and Financial Details
According to Sponichi, a Japanese news outlet, negotiations for Kubo are nearing completion following his agents’ visit to England. Liverpool are reportedly prepared to spend close to £55 million for Kubo, who is being touted as the heir to Mohamed Salah’s position. Despite Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold being in the last year of their contracts, Mirror Football reports that Liverpool will not consider selling Salah this summer, even if he does not sign a new contract.
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Liverpool’s Stance on Player Commitment
Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director, has maintained a tight-lipped stance on contract discussions. “On contractual situations, I don’t think it would be fair for me to talk about these,” he said. “These are private matters between club and players.” Hughes emphasized the importance of player commitment for the upcoming season: “The only concern I and Arne have about situations is total commitment from the players to the cause for next season and we’re absolutely convinced that will be the case.”
Kubo’s Recent Performance and Admiration from Zidane
The 23-year-old Kubo impressed with 12 goal involvements in 41 outings for Sociedad last term, aiding them to a sixth-place finish in LaLiga and a spot in the Europa League. Zinedine Zidane previously expressed admiration for Kubo during his loan at Mallorca from Real Madrid. “I think he’s having a good season,” Zidane remarked in 2019. “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.”
Japanese Players in the Premier League
Should Kubo secure a transfer to Anfield, he would join several Japanese players in the Premier League next season, including Endo, Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu, Crystal Palace newcomer Daichi Kamada, and the Southampton duo Yukinari Sugawara and Renato Takaoka.