Takefusa Kubo eyes Premier League transfer after strong season with Sociedad

Japan national team winger Takefusa Kubo (24, Real Sociedad) is seeking to enter the Premier League this summer.

Florian Plettenberg, a reporter from the German edition of Sky Sports, stated on social media on the 7th (Korean time) that "Kubo is one of the players to watch in this summer's transfer market. He is currently leaning towards a move to the Premier League."

He added, "The 24-year-old winger Kubo has already received several transfer inquiries. His valuation is around 30 million euros (approximately 46.5 billion won) to 40 million euros (approximately 62 billion won). He is under contract with Sociedad until 2029 and has recorded 7 goals and 4 assists this season."

Sociedad struggled this season, finishing 11th in La Liga. Last season, they finished 6th in the league and reached the UEFA Europa League (UEL) stage, but this time their chances for European competition have been thwarted.

As a result, the departure of key players is expected. Key midfielder Martin Zubimendi is close to joining Arsenal, and there are significant concerns that Alex Remiro and Brice Mendez will also leave.

Kubo is also preparing for a new challenge. Last month, he changed his agency to the large corporations sports360 in Germany and indicated his willingness to transfer.

Kubo, who is gaining attention as an attacking resource in La Liga... He is a product of the youth systems of Barcelona and Real Madrid, capable of playing as a winger, as well as an attacking midfielder, and sometimes even in the shadow striker role. His quick pace and concise dribbling, along with his crosses and shots that come after breakthroughs, are all quite threatening.

Kubo has blossomed since transferring to Sociedad in the summer of 2022. After leaving Mallorca, where he played with Lee Kang-in, he recorded 9 goals and 4 assists in his debut season and was named the club's Player of the Year. Last season, he also recorded 7 goals and 5 assists in 41 official matches. He has been active as a starter this season, recording 7 goals and 4 assists.

Rumors of transfers to several big clubs are also circulating. Rumors have emerged since last season that Liverpool is targeting Kubo as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, and speculation about a return to Real Madrid resurfaces from time to time. Recently, there have also been reports suggesting that Bayern Munich may pursue Kubo if Leroy Sane leaves the team due to contract expiration.

Now Kubo is seeking a transfer to the Premier League. Rather than insisting on his buyout clause of 60 million euros (approximately 93.1 billion won), Sociedad is expected to be satisfied with half that amount, from 30 million euros to 40 million euros.

Football España noted that "the imminent sale of Zubimendi from Sociedad means they are open to selling Kubo as well. They are prepared to let him go for around 30 million euros, despite having a buyout clause of 60 million euros. It's also important to remember that half of the transfer fee will go back to Real Madrid," evaluating it as a "reasonable" asking price.

It remains uncertain where Kubo will end up. Liverpool, which seemed like the most likely destination, has just re-signed Salah until 2027, so there is no urgent need to strengthen their wings at this moment. However, if another winger, Luis Diaz, leaves the team, there is still plenty of possibility that they could pursue Kubo again.

Football España stated that "Kubo was previously linked with Liverpool. However, considering that Salah has signed a new contract, it would be surprising if he were to transfer to Liverpool this summer. Nevertheless, Kubo is attracting attention from teams in England. We will soon find out which teams are paying attention to him, as he is a resource for the Japan national team."

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