Liverpool ready €65m record bid to land Asian ace who could succeed Salah

Liverpool are ready to make Takefusa Kubo the most expensive Japanese player of all time

Liverpool are preparing a significant bid to secure the services of Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo. The Japanese international has been in exceptional form in La Liga since joining Sociedad from Real Madrid in 2022.

According to reports from Sponichi, a Japanese outlet via TeamTalk, Liverpool are set to make a €65 million (£54.8 million) offer, which surpasses Kubo’s release clause by €5 million. This move would make the Asian star not just the most expensive Japanese player in history and potentially the highest-paid as well.

Kubo, only 23 years old, has a bright future ahead and is seen as a top-level transfer target. The annual salary of €15 million (approximately £240,000 per week) would make Kubo the second-highest earner at the club, behind Mohamed Salah. Given the players already at the club, we consider this a tad far-fetched.

Liverpool are ready to make Takefusa Kubo the most expensive Japanese player of all time.

The Salah Succession Plan

One of the primary motivations behind Liverpool’s pursuit of Kubo is the uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future at Anfield. The Egyptian star is in the final year of his contract at the club, and despite Liverpool’s resistance to previous offers from Al-Ittihad, interest from the Saudi Pro League remains strong. While Liverpool are hopeful that Salah will stay on for the 2024/24 season, they are wise to address the issue in the long run.

Kubo, a left-footed right-winger like Salah, could be an ideal successor. His performances over the past couple of seasons have demonstrated his potential, and his playing style could seamlessly fit into Liverpool’s tactical setup. Where there is definitely skill, he will need to significantly up his game to match the Egyptian’s numbers.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Kubo is a strategic move that could help us retain the competitive edge on the right flank not just in the immediate future but also in the long term. Kubo’s signing would not only address the immediate uncertainty regarding Salah but also add a versatile and talented player to Liverpool’s attacking options. His youth and potential for further development could make him a valuable long-term asset, especially if he develops as expected.

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By securing one of Asia’s brightest talents, the club would also enhance its global appeal and marketability. Should he sign on, Kubo will become the third Japanese international to play for the men’s team after Takumi Minamino and Wataru Endo.