Liverpool’s summer transfer activity may be causing some dissatisfaction, particularly due to its limited scope. However, the pressing issue for FSG might be the contractual status of several key players.
Captain Virgil van Dijk, vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, and leading forward Mohamed Salah are all entering the final year of their contracts, which understandably raises concerns.
Van Dijk, who is 33, is anticipated to remain for at least another season, though Real Madrid has shown interest. Salah, at 32, is also expected to play under new manager Arne Slot this season. However, Liverpool’s right flank options are currently thin, and strengthening this area would be prudent.
Securing new deals for these players would be a welcome development for fans. Additionally, there is hope that the rumours suggesting FSG might finally invigorate Liverpool’s transfer activity could prove true.
Liverpool Eyeing at Real Sociedad Winger Takefusa Kubo
According to the Japanese publication Sponichi, Liverpool are focusing on acquiring Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo. The La Liga club has valued Kubo at £55 million.
Reports indicate that negotiations are nearing completion, with both the transfer fee and annual salary expected to set records as the ‘largest contracts in Japanese history.’
It is also suggested that Kubo’s representatives have already arrived in England, and a deal might be finalised soon.
At 23, Kubo has had an impressive season in Spain. While he may not have the prolific scoring ability of Mohamed Salah, his skills could provide a valuable addition to Liverpool’s attack on the right flank.
How Takefusa Kubo Could Impact Liverpool
Speed is a key attribute for Kubo. According to FBref, he was in the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers in La Liga for progressive carries last season. He also ranked in the top 20% for successful dribbles and the top 16% for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes.
Although Kubo may not be the most precise winger, he has a well-rounded skill set, including exceptional playmaking abilities and relentless energy. This allows him to penetrate into dangerous areas and contribute defensively, as he also participates in defensive efforts.
The table below compares his performance in La Liga last season with Salah’s in the Premier League. However, instead of focusing on Salah, consider how Kubo could potentially be an ideal partner for Alexander-Arnold.
| 2023/24: Takefusa Kubo vs Mohamed Salah | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics | Kubo (La Liga) | Salah (Premier League) |
| Matches played | 30 | 32 |
| Matches started | 24 | 28 |
| Goals | 7 | 18 |
| Assists | 4 | 10 |
| Pass completion | 81% | 76% |
| Big chances missed | 4 | 17 |
| Big chances created | 10 | 22 |
| Shots per game | 1.5 | 3.6 |
| Key passes per game | 2.0 | 2.1 |
| Ball recoveries per game | 3.3 | 2.6 |
| Tackles per game | 0.9 | 0.5 |
| Dribbles per game | 1.8 (56%) | 0.8 (36%) |
| Duels won per game | 4.8 (55%) | 2.4 (34%) |
| Stats Source: Sofascore | ||
Liverpool’s homegrown talent has played a crucial role in Jurgen Klopp’s achievements over nearly a decade. His extensive skill set has positioned him as one of the top technical players in football, with pundit Jamie Carragher even comparing him to having Kevin De Bruyne at right-back.
Developed under Klopp’s guidance, the 25-year-old secured a full range of trophies with Liverpool. Fans are now eagerly anticipating his impact in this new chapter. His presence is truly unique and irreplaceable.
Last season in the Premier League, Alexander-Arnold managed only 25 starts due to injuries. Despite this, he was exceptional on the field, ranking in the top 11% of his positional peers for goals, the top 20% for assists, the top 1% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, and the top 2% for progressive passes per 90 minutes.
The potential synergy with Kubo is evident from the metrics: Alexander-Arnold’s creative prowess would significantly benefit a quick and skilled player like Kubo. There is little doubt that Kubo would excel with such support.
Additionally, Kubo is known for his commitment and versatility, contributing effectively in defensive situations. His 2023/24 La Liga heatmap shows his extensive movement across the field, including deep runs to assist his full-back.
While criticisms of Alexander-Arnold’s defensive capabilities may seem harsh, he is not naturally strong defensively. His speed and mobility are not the issues; rather, he is not as effective defensively as he is in attack.
Last season in the Premier League, Alexander-Arnold won 44% of his contested ground duels, averaging 2.7 per game. In comparison, Egyptian winger Salah, despite his quality, is not as effective in this regard as Kubo.
Slot is diligently working to develop Liverpool into a consistently successful team, and Kubo, described as a “special talent” by journalist John Bunting, would be a valuable addition to strengthen this vision.
Liverpool are not expected to make significant moves in the transfer market over the next two weeks, as Slot’s pre-season tour begins. This is understandable given the current circumstances.
With several key players away on international duty, Slot and his team aim to focus on their existing squad, which includes many younger and peripheral players, before considering major signings.
Although recent rumors about Kubo may seem contradictory, Liverpool reportedly still have an interest in him. As August approaches, Liverpool is likely to intensify their pursuit of Kubo, potentially making him a key player alongside Alexander-Arnold on the right flank.
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool Could Capitalise on Youngster’s Situation at Club as He’s Prepared to “Force an Exit” This Summer