Liverpool are reportedly close to agreeing a deal to sign Takefusa Kubo this summer (Image: Getty)
Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a blockbuster £55million deal for exciting Japanese winger Takefusa Kubo. It is claimed that representatives for the Real Sociedad star are in England thrashing out the final stages of a contract.
New Reds boss Arne Slot is yet to make a major signing this summer. A winger is widely reported to be high on the list of priorities for this transfer window.
According to Japanese publication Sponichi, Kubo is set to sign a £12.6m yearly contract which would be a record for a Japanese player. The 23-year-old is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League and has already started to learn English.
Kubo can reportedly now speak the language sufficiently enough to feel confident conducting interviews with the British media. He will now wait for Liverpool to finalise a contract with his representatives.
The presence of Japan team-mate Wataru Endo at Liverpool is understood to be viewed as being particularly positive for Kubo and will allow him to settle into the city. Endo was a bargain £12m signing last season and has impressed in his first year at Anfield.
Kubo might have to be patient for regular football on Merseyside, though. He is a left-footed right winger, the same profile as Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah. However, the Egyptian has been linked with a switch this summer and Kubo is reportedly viewed as the natural successor.
Liverpool may even have the perfect present for Kubo to welcome him to Anfield. The No. 14 shirt he has worn during his three seasons with Real Sociedad is free having previously been donned by former captain Jordan Henderson.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot may be about to get his first signing in Takefusa Kubo (Image: Getty)
Kubo, who can operate across a front three, has scored 16 goals and provided 14 assists during his three years at La Real. he previously spent time at Real Madrid but never made a competitive appearance for Los Blancos.
The former Mallorca, Getafe and Villarreal star is best known for his speed and ability on the ball. He would be a welcome addition to Slot’s attacking options, particularly with increasing speculation over the futures of Salah and Luis Diaz.
Liverpool do not play their first official pre-season friendly of the summer until they face Real Betis on July 27. However, the Reds were beaten 1-0 by Preston North End in a behind-closed-doors fixture on Saturday. Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai were among the players who featured.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1926517/Liverpool-transfer-news-Takefusa-Kubo-Slot