A phenomenon from Japan. In 2019, Real Madrid acquired the young and promising Takefusa Kubo. Described as the “Japanese Messi” by observers, the native of Kawasaki said no to Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona, where he had played when he was younger, to live his dream at Casa Blanca. Sent with Castilla initially, he then had a series of loans since the Merengues sent him to Mallorca, Villarreal and Getafe. Then, he moved to Real Sociedad in 2022.
Saudi Arabia wants to cover it with gold
Barred by competition in the Spanish capital, where Real Madrid had reached the quota of extra-community players, he joined the Basque team in 2022 for an amount of 6.5 million euros. All without having played a single match with the Madrid professional team. But he made the right choice since everything is going rather well for him in San Sebastian. Last year, he finished the year with a record of 9 goals and 6 assists in 44 appearances in all competitions, including 34 as a starter.
This season, the 22-year-old has 6 goals and 4 assists in 25 games, including 21 as a starter. The winger’s performances have also attracted the attention of many clubs. Relevo indicated that Al-Hilal offered him a 4-year contract with a salary of 40 million euros, or 160 million euros in total. But the player under contract until 2027 rejected the advances of Neymar’s club. This winter, it was Al-Nassr’s turn to attempt an approach for Kubo. The CR7 team greatly appreciates the Japanese star, who is currently playing in the Asian Nations Cup with his country.
The Premier League is already here
But Kubo does not see himself joining Saudi Arabia for the moment despite a salary of 20 million euros per year. He prefers to stay in Europe. His idea is to finish the season with Real Sociedad before possibly moving on during the summer. English big names are already on his side. This is the case for Manchester United. The Red Devils tried a first approach by offering Antony according to The Sun. But the Spanish club did not follow up. MU risks making another attempt this summer for the player whose price is estimated at 60 million euros according to transfermarkt.
In addition to MU, Liverpool are also on the announcement Relevo this Thursday. His profile really appeals to the Reds, who want new blood in the offensive sector. They will go on the attack this summer. But the competition is significant. Other Premier League residents, whose names have not been leaked, as well as Naples are seduced. But it will be necessary to convince the player, who wants to win titles and become the best Japanese footballer in history, as well as Real Sociedad.
Real Madrid in the hand
Real Madrid will also have a say in the story. As they very often do, the Merengues benefit from a priority buyout right. They can therefore overtake all interested clubs in the home stretch. The only constraint for the Madrilenians is that they must offer a salary equivalent to or higher than that offered by the club with which the Japanese has reached an agreement. The idea is that he is not harmed. If Real Madrid does not exercise its right of redemption, it will receive a nice check.
In fact, residents of the Santiago-Bernabéu stadium will receive 50% on a future sale of Takefusa Kubo. Suffice it to say that the Madrilenians, just like the Basques, have every interest in seeing prices soar for the Japanese footballer. And Florentino Pérez’s club, if its objective is not to repatriate him, can already rub its hands since several great Europeans are already on the hunt for the player. In any case, Real Madrid will be winners. Takefusa Kubo also a priori.
