Liverpool 'close' to record-breaking agreement for Takefusa Kubo

How do you go about replacing Mohamed Salah? That's a conundrum Liverpool have been juggling for the last couple of seasons now.

Salah, who joined Liverpool from Roma in 2017, has been instrumental in the club's success, including winning the Premier League and Champions League. However, with the departure of manager Jurgen Klopp last season, there are concerns that Salah might also leave.

He's not getting any younger either. But as the Egyptian turns 32, it seems we have the answer to that dilemma — at least if reports from Japan are to be believed.

According to the latest update from Sponichi Annex, an agreement to sign Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo is now close. Negotiations are reportedly in their final stages, with Kubo eager to challenge himself in the Premier League.

A record-breaking move for Kubo

This move is expected to set a new record for both transfer fees and salaries in Japanese football history.

Sources close to the matter have reportedly told the Japanese outlet that Kubo’s agents are already in England finalising the details, and an agreement could be reached soon.

The 23-year-old, who extended his contract with Real Sociedad until February 2029 in February, has a release clause set at €60 million (£51.4 million). Liverpool are prepared to meet this clause, offering €65 million (£55.7 million) in instalments.

This would be paired with a staggering annual salary of €15 million (£12.8 million), which equates to around £240,000 per week.

The 'Japanese Messi'

Kubo, often dubbed the 'Japanese Messi', plays as a left-footed right winger, making him an ideal replacement for Salah.

Kubo's career began in FC Tokyo before moving to Real Madrid in 2019. Although he did not make a first-team appearance for Real Madrid, he gained valuable experience through loan spells at Mallorca, Villarreal and Getafe.

His permanent move to Real Sociedad in 2022 has been highly successful, with Kubo scoring 16 goals and providing 14 assists in 85 appearances. He was pivotal in helping Sociedad secure a fourth-place finish in La Liga and return to the Champions League for the 2023-2024 season after a nine-year absence.

However, the 23-year-old’s enthusiasm for joining Liverpool is evident. He has been preparing for a potential move by studying English, and is now capable of giving interviews in the language.

The presence of Japanese national team captain Wataru Endo at Liverpool is also seen as a positive factor in Kubo’s decision.

If the deal goes through, the arrival of Kubo would not only mark a significant moment in Japanese football but also add a dynamic new element to Liverpool’s attacking options, especially as Luis Diaz continues to be linked with a move away.