Liverpool May Have Identified 23-Year-Old Youngster as Mohamed Salah’s Replacement – News18

Liverpool are understood to have expressed their interest in signing Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo this summer. With Jurgen Klopp’s departure last season, The Reds are looking to begin a new era at the club. The English giants are now, reportedly, aiming to secure the services of the 23-year-old under the newly appointed head coach Arne Slot. Amid their interest in the youngster, Japanese news outlet Sponichi has claimed that Liverpool are preparing a significant offer worth €65 million, to rope in Kubo. The report also suggests the Premier League giants have ‘serious’ intentions of building a more futureproof squad.

As per the report, Liverpool’s €65 million bid is €5 million higher than Takefusa Kubo’s current release clause at Real Sociedad. It has also been reported that Liverpool are ready to offer Kubo an annual salary of €15 million. The claimed amounts will make him the most expensive Japanese footballer of all time and also the second-highest earner at Liverpool behind Mohamed Salah.

Sponichi also suggested that the primary reason behind Liverpool’s interest in Takefusa Kubo is Mohammed Salah’s potential exit next season. The Egyptian star’s contract expires next summer and if no deal is signed, Salah could end up leaving the club in 2025 for free. The Merseyside-based side might also consider selling the 32-year-old this summer if the right offer is made. With uncertainty over their star forward’s future, Arne Slot may have turned towards Kubo as Salah’s potential successor at Anfield.

Takefusa Kubo rose through Barcelona’s football academy. After multiple loan spells in LaLiga, Kubo eventually moved to Real Sociedad in 2022. Since then, he has shown massive promise while emerging as a star performer in the Spanish domestic league. In the 2023-24 campaign, Kubo featured in 41 games for Real Sociedad across all competitions.

To fill in Mohammed Salah’s shoes at Liverpool, Takefusa Kubo will likely have to improve his goal-scoring potential. The Egyptian has made 349 appearances for Liverpool while netting 211 goals. With the club and Arne Slot’s support, Kubo could elevate his game to greater heights, eventually closing on Salah’s numbers at the club.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Takefusa Kubo showcases the club’s ambition and forward-thinking strategy. It remains to be seen if the 23-year-old eventually considers a move to the Premier League.

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