Takefusa Kubo has been heavily linked with Liverpool (Image: Getty)
Liverpool FC have been heavily linked with making a move for Takefusa Kubo this summer as Arne Slot looks to bolster his forward ranks ahead of his Premier League debut season.
The Reds are yet to dip their toe into the transfer market, though they remain keen to bring in reinforcements at both ends of the pitch – with signing a left-sided defender and an alternative option to Mohamed Salah on the right wing among their priorities.
Kubo certainly fits the bill as being an exciting option for Liverpool in the final third, with Japanese outlet Sponichi reporting that the Anfield outfit are ‘preparing’ an offer worth £55million for the Real Sociedad star.
The 23-year-old has earned plenty of praise throughout the years in Spain, and the Japan international has even received rave reviews from Zinedine Zidane.
Kubo spent three years on the books of Real Madrid and was talked up by then-manager Zidane during his sensational loan spell at Mallorca.
Speaking ahead of Los Blanco’s clash with Mallorca in 2019, the French boss 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.
Zinedine Zidane has praised Kubo previously (Image: Getty)
“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.”
Kubo spent the following campaigns on loan at Villarreal and Getafe before returning to Mallorca. In 2022, the ex-FC Tokyo star then joined Real Sociedad in what has been a fruitful move and his performances at the Reale Arena has seen him linked with a host of top clubs.
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Zidane praised Kubo whilst he was out on loan at Mallorca (Image: Getty)
Kubo is capable of playing on either wing and also in central areas, having been deployed as a No. 10 and a makeshift striker previously. The versatility of the Japanese playmaker will certainly capture the attention of Liverpool, who are keen to improve their depth in the final third and will therefore be able to ensure that they have cover in several different roles by signing just one player.
It remains to be seen whether the Reds press on with their reported pursuit of Kubo or Slot overlooks the praise of Zidane in favour of alternative options out wide.
