So far, Liverpool’s transfer window has been rather calm, with no acquisitions or player sales.
The Reds already have a reasonably solid roster, so it’s likely they’ll aim to make a few additions rather than a total rebuild.
Liverpool have been connected with a variety of defenders and midfielders to replace Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara, both of whom left Anfield on free transfers.
While Liverpool’s attacking department isn’t a priority, there are still worries about Mohamed Salah’s long-term future and the need for a replacement.
Salah hinted in May that he intends to stay this season, with The Independent reporting him as stating he’ll “fight like hell” for further silverware in 2024-25.
However, his contract expires at the end of the season, so it remains to be seen whether he will stay with the club beyond that.
Indeed, it remains to be seen whether the Reds will cash in on Salah this summer, given the Saudi links.
According to a Japanese rumor, Liverpool is preparing an offer for a player who may be Salah’s long-term replacement.
Liverpool preparing a bid for Takefusa Kubo.
Takefusa Kubo is a Real Sociedad attacker and Japan international.
According to Japanese outlet Sponichi, Liverpool has been interested in the 23-year-old since the end of last season as a potential Salah replacement.
According to Sponichi, the Reds have identified Kubo as one of their “biggest targets this summer” and have prepared a €65 million bid, as well as a €15 million annual deal.
This calculates out to about £55 million in transfer fees and around £245,000 each week in salary.
Takefusa Kubo compared to Lionel Messi.
This is a massive report with significant financial implications. If this is true, Liverpool will go to great lengths to find Salah’s replacement.
Having saying that, Kubo has clearly impressed in recent years for Real Sociedad and Japan. At only 23 years old, he already has 159 La Liga appearances and 35 caps for his country.
Kubo appeared 41 times for Sociedad in all competitions last season, scoring seven goals (all in La Liga) and providing five assists. He also spent four years on Real Madrid’s payroll.
Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout predicted Kubo’s future success in 2019, comparing his playing style to Lionel Messi and giving him a potential grade of 9 out of 10.
Liverpool has been known to pull off some large transfers in recent years, such as Cody Gakpo, so it will be fascinating to see if there is any more concrete rumor on this front.
