Journalist shares his info on reports Takefusa Kubo is 'close to joining' Liverpool

One journalist has moved to share his info on reports Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo is ‘close to joining’ Liverpool.

Monday saw claims from Japan that Takefusa Kubo was on his way to Liverpool. Or at the very least, the Reds were busy finalising a deal to sign the 23-year-old.

Kubo is a standout for Real Sociedad, having long been touted as one of the best up-and-coming wide players in the world. He didn't quite get his chance with Real Madrid - just a series of loans, really - but he's shown his ability since leaving Los Blancos.

And it's enough that Sponichi claim Liverpool are pushing to sign Kubo. The deal would cost around £55m and the Reds would get their long-term successor to Mohamed Salah for that money.

Only, the Daily Mail's Merseyside reports, Lewis Steele, says no deal is close. Liverpool aren't actually close to signing anyone - they're playing this summer incredibly patient.

"Reports in Japan that Takefusa Kubo is close to joining Liverpool are premature," writes Steele on X. "Arne Slot wants to fully assess his squad during the upcoming pre-season tour of the United States and a patient approach to transfers will be applied."

Liverpool not close to Kubo

We're pretty sure Kubo would be a brilliant signing if Liverpool pulled it off but it appears no one should expect an announcement anytime soon. And in truth, that may not be surprising.

The club brought in a new sporting director and a new head coach this summer. Arne Slot still hasn't had a proper look at the players he's got and without that, it's difficult to know if there are any glaring issues in the squad.

Thus Liverpool are taking their time and waiting for Slot to get an idea of what he needs. The gamble is that fewer and fewer players will be on the market by the time the Reds are ready to sign someone.

The hope is that they'll get the right player this way.