Liverpool are closing in on their first signing under Arne Slot with talks over a deal to sign Takefusa Kubo at the ‘final stages’ according to reports in Japan.
Kubo has attracted interest from the Premier League after impressing at Real Sociedad, where the winger scored seven goals and provided four assists in La Liga last season.
The Japan international ranked sixth in Spain’s top division for chances created and progressive carries and could add to Liverpool’s forward line as the Reds prepare for a new era under Slot.
According to Japanese outlet Sports Nippon, negotiations are at an advanced stage over a deal that will see Liverpool pay a fee in the region of €60m (£51m) for the 23-year-old, who mirrors Mohamed Salah in style as a left-footed right-winger.
Salah has entered the final 12 months of his deal at Anfield and Kubo is seen as a succession plan to the Egyptian, who has been linked with the Saudi Pro League.
The report states Kubo has begun learning English ahead of an anticipated transfer to the Premier League, where he could link up with Japan teammate Wataru Endo on Merseyside.
He would become the latest high-profile Japanese player in the Premier League, joining Endo, Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, and Crystal Palace summer signing Daichi Kamada.
Kubo, who has been dubbed ‘The Japanese Messi’, spent time in the youth set-ups at Barcelona and Real Madrid during his early career, before signing for Sociedad in 2022. He was named Real Sociedad Player of the Season in 2022-23 and has scored 16 goals in 85 appearances for the Spanish side.
