Tottenham Hotspur look set to trigger £52m release clause for Takefusa Kubo.
Tottenham Hotspur look set to trigger £52m release clause for Takefusa Kubo.
Tottenham Hotspur look set to trigger £52m release clause for Takefusa Kubo
Thomas Frank’s need for wide reinforcements has become increasingly evident during Tottenham’s mixed start to the season. Despite sitting fifth in the Premier League table and collecting eight points from four Champions League fixtures, the Dane has overseen just two home victories all campaign. The lack of creative spark in the final third has led to growing frustration at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
According to Football Insider, Tottenham have been informed that Real Sociedad will accept the £52 million release clause in Takefusa Kubo’s contract, opening the door for Thomas Frank to address his squad’s attacking inconsistencies in the January transfer window. The Japanese winger has emerged as a priority target for the Lilywhites as they explore multiple options to strengthen their front line.
Kubo represents a solution that ticks multiple boxes for Frank’s system. The 24-year-old’s versatility allows him to operate across the front line, whether cutting inside from the right flank or drifting centrally to link play. His contract situation at Real Sociedad makes the deal straightforward from a negotiating standpoint, with the club powerless to resist if Tottenham activates the release clause.
Tottenham Hotspur look set to trigger £52m release clause for Takefusa Kubo.
The release clause structure removes the need for protracted negotiations, allowing Frank to secure his target quickly when the window opens. Real Sociedad would pocket their record transfer fee, with Real Madrid retaining 50% of any future sale after inserting a sell-on clause when Kubo departed the Spanish capital.
Tottenham were also tracking Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers before the midfielder signed a new contract extending until 2031. These setbacks have accelerated their focus on targets with clear pathways to completion, making Kubo’s situation particularly appealing.
What Kubo Brings to Tottenham’s Attack
Kubo’s profile differs significantly from the typical Premier League winger. Rather than relying purely on pace and power, the Japanese international combines technical security with intelligent movement between the lines. During the 2024-25 season, Kubo has registered 7 goals and 4 assists across 52 appearances for Real Sociedad, though he has been deployed deeper in midfield rather than in advanced attacking positions.
What makes Kubo particularly attractive for Tottenham is his experience competing in European competition. Real Sociedad’s Europa League campaigns have exposed him to different tactical challenges and high-pressure environments. Frank, managing in the Champions League for the first time, needs players comfortable on that stage.
https://twitter.com/TheLebScout/status/1980952272600535344?s=20
The £52 million fee represents a significant investment for a player who could slot seamlessly into multiple roles. With Mohammed Kudus currently occupying the right-wing position, Kubo’s arrival would provide tactical flexibility for Frank to rotate based on opposition while maintaining quality across the attacking line. Premier League champions Liverpool were also previously linked with Kubo, but it remains to be seen if they still retain interested.
The upcoming January window represents a defining moment in Frank’s Tottenham tenure, with home form becoming a mounting pressure point that demands solutions.