‘What is Kubo Liverpool?’ Japan’s excitement confirmed
Sociedad president ”No negotiating club”
The president of Real Sociedad has dismissed Takefusa Kubo’s rumored move to Liverpool.
“Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperivai has categorically denied that negotiations have taken place for Takefusa Kubo,” Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo reported on Thursday (June 24).
The Japanese soccer star is one of Sociedad’s key players. He joined Sociedad from Real Madrid ahead of the 2022-23 season and was a key ace in the side in his debut season, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in 35 league appearances. His performance was recognized by the fans and he was named the Sociedad Player of the Year.
In his second year, in 2023-24, he made 41 appearances, scoring seven goals and adding five assists. Despite his lack of offensive points, Sociedad recognized Gubo’s skill and potential and re-signed him in February, extending his contract through June 2027 to 2029.
Kubo, who has become one of Japan’s top soccer stars thanks to his success in Spain’s La Liga, has recently been the talk of the town in Japan with reports that he could join the Premier League’s most prestigious club, Liverpool.
“Liverpool are reportedly preparing a transfer fee of €65 million (approx. 98.2 billion won) and an annual salary of €15 million (approx. 22.7 billion won) to sign the Japan international midfielder,” Japanese media outlet SporNichi recently reported, adding, ”If the move goes through, it will be the most expensive contract in Japanese soccer history.”
“According to multiple English soccer sources, Kubo’s representatives have already arrived in the country,” the article continued, ”Negotiations are believed to be in the final stages of ironing out details and an agreement is expected to be reached soon.”
As the transfer fee and salary were mentioned in detail, several English media outlets also began to pick up the story, citing Japanese media. This isn’t the first time Kubo has been linked to Liverpool, so the news of a deal nearing completion has excited fans.
“Takefusa Kubo, the ‘Japanese Messi’, has emerged on Liverpool’s transfer 파워볼실시간 radar,” Liverpool.com reported on March 18, adding that ‘Liverpool may have to move quickly if they want to sign him’.
If Liverpool were to sign Kubo for the reported €65 million, it would change the Asian soccer transfer record books.
The record for the highest transfer fee for an Asian player is currently held by Kim Min-jae. Bayern Munich paid Napoli €50 million to acquire him from Napoli last summer.
The top spot for the highest paid Asian soccer player will also change hands. Liverpool’s reported offer of €15 million ($22.7 billion) for Kubo would also exceed the salary of the current top Asian player, Son Heung-min. Son’s annual salary is reportedly £9.88 million ($17.7 billion).
The Sociedad president has thrown cold water on the speculation that Kouba could be on his way to Premier League giants Liverpool this summer, dismissing the rumors.
According to Mae Chae, Aperibai was in Japan and when asked about Kubo, he said, “There is no problem. There are no negotiations with any club,” he said, ruling out the possibility of a move for Kubo.
“We are in the transfer market and anything can happen, but Kubo is very happy at Sociedad and he will continue to play,” he said, adding, ”We love Kubo very much and we hope he stays at Sociedad forever.”