Although claims that Liverpool is poised to sign Japanese winger Takefusa Kubo have been labeled as "premature," his compatriot Wataru Endo has endorsed the move.
Japanese reports suggested that the Reds were preparing a £50.6 million bid for Real Sociedad's Kubo, with his agent reportedly traveling to England. However, club insiders quickly refuted these claims, with the Mail's Lewis Steele reporting that Liverpool had deemed the reports "premature." Despite the non-committal language, it implies that interest in Kubo remains.
On Abema Sports Time in Japan, Liverpool midfielder Endo supported his national teammate as a potential heir to Mohamed Salah. When asked which Japanese player he would like to see at Anfield, he responded, "Kubo."
"The quest for Mohamed Salah's replacement has started, marking a significant area for Liverpool to fortify. I believe Kubo could be that player for the national team," he added.
Contrary to interpretations elsewhere, Endo did not suggest that Salah might be sold or that a deal for Kubo was imminent. Nonetheless, it's evident that Kubo, who just turned 23, enjoys support from at least one member of Arne Slot's team and is likely on the radar of Liverpool's scouting department.
Kubo has played 225 senior games for clubs including FC Tokyo, Yokohama F. Marinos, Mallorca, Villarreal, Getafe, and Sociedad since June. His quick, assertive playing style and habit of cutting inside from the right flank to his stronger left foot bear similarities to Salah.
Yet, Kubo's impact falls short of Salah's extraordinary output at Liverpool, with 31 goals and as many assists in 225 appearances, averaging a goal contribution every 216.4 minutes.
