Liverpool’s rumoured curiosity in Actual Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo has cooled, in response to a current report from . The Reds had reportedly held preliminary contact over a possible transfer for the Japanese worldwide, however have now pulled out of the race. The explanation? Efficiency, worth for cash, and squad match.
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This resolution displays a extra calculated and strategic method underneath new supervisor Arne Slot, who not too long ago delivered the Premier League title in his debut season at Anfield. As Liverpool transfer into a brand new period post-Jurgen Klopp, it’s clear that measured choices are being prioritised over marquee names.
Kubo’s Numbers Don’t Stack Up
Kubo’s 2024/25 marketing campaign has been underwhelming by the requirements anticipated of a £50million participant. As Fichajes rightly level out, he “completed with simply seven targets and two assists in all competitions for Sociedad”. These are modest returns for a participant working in a artistic and attacking function.
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Whereas Kubo is undoubtedly gifted and nonetheless solely 23, the numbers increase eyebrows. As compared, Liverpool’s present choices – notably on the suitable the place Kubo tends to function – are much more prolific. Because the Fichajes report notes, “he largely performs equally to Mohamed Salah as a left-footed participant beginning on the right-hand facet”.
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That overlap presents a transparent redundancy. With Salah nonetheless a key determine, and different dynamic attackers like Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and Cody Gakpo within the squad, it’s laborious to check the place Kubo would slot in.
Positional Match a Main Barrier
Liverpool’s frontline already options a number of versatile wingers and forwards. The thought of including one other extensive participant, particularly one unlikely to dislodge Salah, feels counterintuitive. The Fichajes report makes a key statement: “it’s not clear Kubo could be a daily on this LFC facet anyway”.
This lack of a transparent beginning function weakens the case for such a heavy monetary outlay. Moreover, the Reds might want to plan for all times with out Trent Alexander-Arnold, who’s reportedly leaving on the finish of his contract. Strengthening at right-back, and even in central midfield, could also be extra urgent than including a backup winger.
Liverpool’s Summer season Window Ought to Deal with Greater Wants
Fichajes rightly spotlight the urgent concern going through Liverpool: the striker place. With Darwin Nunez nonetheless not fulfilling his potential, the Reds could must prioritise discovering a real quantity 9.
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“The Uruguay worldwide is a transparent weak hyperlink in Slot’s squad,” the report states, underlining the necessity for a significant rethink up entrance. Whereas Liverpool’s midfield was rebuilt final summer time and has proven promise, query marks stay in each assault and defence.
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With Andrew Robertson approaching the twilight of his profession and Alexander-Arnold set to exit, full-back reinforcements are additionally essential.
Worth Tag Does Not Justify the Gamble
There’s additionally the difficulty of Kubo’s valuation. At €60 million, this isn’t a speculative purchase, it’s a press release of intent. For that degree of funding, Liverpool would count on a starter, or at the least somebody with speedy influence potential.
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Sadly, Kubo’s present degree doesn’t encourage that form of confidence. As Fichajes bluntly put it, “he doesn’t appear like good worth for cash”.
With different areas of the squad demanding consideration, spending that a lot on a participant who could not break into the primary XI could be a questionable transfer at finest.
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From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this report makes good sense. Kubo is technically gifted and has proven glimpses of brilliance at Actual Sociedad, however his numbers don’t scream “Premier League-ready”. Slot’s system relies upon closely on high-pressing, high-efficiency gamers, and Kubo’s kind this season doesn’t point out he’s prepared for that degree.
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Furthermore, with Salah nonetheless working at a world-class degree, bringing in the same profile – notably one with decrease productiveness – feels redundant. Followers would a lot fairly see sources targeted on areas that genuinely want consideration.
Changing Nunez is arguably the highest precedence. Whereas he’s had moments of promise, inconsistency has outlined his time at Anfield. A medical finisher who enhances Liverpool’s extensive attackers is essential if the membership are to construct on this season’s title win.
Equally, checking out the full-back scenario is important. With Trent leaving and Robertson ageing, the flanks might turn into a legal responsibility if not addressed. Spending €60 million on a backup winger on this context feels out of contact.
Kubo could also be value revisiting sooner or later, notably if his numbers enhance. However for now, Arne Slot and Liverpool are making the suitable name. Sensible recruitment, not romantic strikes, ought to outline the membership’s new period.