Liverpool ‘Close’ to Record-Breaking Agreement for ‘Japanese Messi’ Takefusa Kubo

Replacing a footballing icon like Mohamed Salah is no small feat. Since joining Liverpool from Roma in 2017, Salah has been pivotal in the club’s successes, including winning both the Premier League and Champions League. With the departure of manager Jurgen Klopp last season and the aging of Salah, who turns 32 this year, Liverpool has been on the lookout for a suitable successor. According to reports from Japan’s Sponichi Annex, it appears that Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo may be the answer.

Record-Breaking Move for Kubo

Liverpool is reportedly on the verge of completing a historic deal to bring Takefusa Kubo to Anfield. This transfer is set to break records in Japanese football history for both transfer fees and player salaries. Sources indicate that Kubo’s agents are already in England finalising the details, with an agreement expected imminently.

The 23-year-old winger, who signed a contract extension with Real Sociedad until 2029, has a release clause of €60 million (£51.4 million). Liverpool are willing to pay €65 million (£55.7 million) in instalments to secure his services, alongside an impressive annual salary of €15 million (£12.8 million), which translates to about £240,000 per week.

The ‘Japanese Messi’

Kubo, often referred to as the ‘Japanese Messi’, is seen as an ideal replacement for Salah. A left-footed right winger, Kubo’s playing style and position make him a natural fit for Liverpool’s attacking setup.

Kubo’s football journey began with FC Tokyo, followed by a move to Real Madrid in 2019. Despite not making a first-team appearance for Madrid, he gained significant experience through loan spells at Mallorca, Villarreal, and Getafe. His permanent move to Real Sociedad in 2022 has been marked by success, with Kubo netting 16 goals and providing 14 assists in 85 appearances. He played a crucial role in helping Sociedad secure a fourth-place finish in La Liga and a return to the Champions League for the 2023-2024 season after a nine-year hiatus.

Eagerness to Join Liverpool

Kubo’s enthusiasm for joining Liverpool is evident. Reports suggest he has been preparing for the move by learning English, enabling him to give interviews in the language. Additionally, the presence of Japanese national team captain Wataru Endo at Liverpool is seen as a positive influence on Kubo’s decision.

If the deal goes through, Kubo’s arrival would not only be a landmark moment for Japanese football but also a significant boost for Liverpool’s attack. With Luis Diaz potentially on his way out, Kubo’s entry could add a fresh dynamic to the Reds’ forward line.

Impact on Liverpool’s Future

The potential acquisition of Takefusa Kubo represents more than just a strategic player move; it signals Liverpool’s intent to build a future-proof squad capable of competing at the highest levels. By bringing in young talent like Kubo, Liverpool is ensuring they remain competitive in the Premier League and beyond, even as some of their current stars age out of their prime.

Analysing Takefusa Kubo’s Performance Data

Takefusa Kubo’s performance data over the last 365 days, courtesy of Fbref, presents an intriguing picture of a player with diverse skills and significant potential. As Liverpool eye a record-breaking move for Kubo, understanding his strengths and weaknesses through these stats becomes crucial.

Strengths in Attacking Metrics

Kubo’s attacking prowess is evident in several key areas. His percentile ranks impressively high for assists (86th percentile) and expected assisted goals (xAG) at 86th percentile as well. This demonstrates his capability to create goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates consistently. Additionally, his shot-creating actions place him in the 83rd percentile, highlighting his involvement in build-up play leading to shots.

Despite his relatively modest non-penalty expected goals (npxG) at 47th percentile, Kubo’s ability to produce assists and contribute to team play makes him a valuable asset in offensive strategies.

Proficiency in Possession

Kubo’s proficiency with the ball is another standout feature. His progressive carries rank in the 91st percentile, indicating his ability to advance the ball effectively into attacking zones. Similarly, his successful take-ons (82nd percentile) and percentage of dribblers tackled (78th percentile) underscore his dribbling skills and ability to maintain possession under pressure.

However, areas like pass completion percentage (49th percentile) and passes attempted (24th percentile) suggest room for improvement in his passing game. This could be an area for development should he move to a team like Liverpool, where possession play is crucial.

Defensive Contributions

Defensively, Kubo’s stats are less remarkable but still notable. His combined tackles and interceptions (36th percentile) and blocks (34th percentile) indicate that while defence is not his primary role, he can still contribute when needed. His aerials won percentage at 21st percentile is low, reflecting a common challenge for players of his stature.

In conclusion, Takefusa Kubo’s performance data showcases a player with significant offensive and possession-based strengths, making him a promising candidate for Liverpool. As negotiations continue, these stats offer a compelling argument for his potential impact at Anfield.

Credit to Fbref for the performance data and stats.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, the prospect of signing Takefusa Kubo is thrilling. Known as the ‘Japanese Messi’, Kubo’s skill set and playing style seem tailor-made for the Premier League. His ability to play on the right wing with his left foot could seamlessly fill the gap that Salah might leave.

Kubo’s impressive performance at Real Sociedad, where he scored 16 goals and provided 14 assists in just 85 appearances, showcases his potential to thrive in a competitive league like the EPL. His preparation for the move, including learning English, demonstrates his commitment and eagerness to integrate into the team quickly.

The financial investment in Kubo, though substantial, reflects Liverpool’s strategy to secure top-tier talent that can offer both immediate impact and long-term value. The presence of Wataru Endo at Liverpool is another positive factor, likely aiding Kubo in settling in both on and off the pitch.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Kubo also signals the club’s broader ambition to remain at the forefront of English and European football. With potential departures like Luis Diaz, the acquisition of a dynamic player like Kubo is a statement of intent. It’s an exciting time for Liverpool supporters, with the promise of fresh talent ready to light up Anfield and contribute to the club’s continued success.