Liverpool’s under fire forward line turned up against Everton on Wednesday, with Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota contributing to the game-winning goal.
The pair have been struggling to find the net recently, leading to strong suggestions the Reds will bolster their attacking options this summer.
It could also be that Liverpool have to find a succession plan for Mohamed Salah, who is yet to sign a new contract.
Fresh rumours that Salah is close to an extension were squashed on Thursday morning, and it remains in the balance whether the Egyptian will stay.
Should Salah leave, Liverpool are going to have to pull out the stops to find his replacement.
And according to new reports, the Reds have identified the man they want to fill Mo’s boots after more than a year of preliminary talks.
Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images
Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images
Liverpool ready to move on Takefusa Kubo
There are plenty of suggestions that Liverpool want to sign Alexander Isak at the end of the season, which would mean a reshaping of the attack anyway.
But if Salah is to leave, then something – and someone – new will be needed on the left of the front line.
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And according to TeamTALK, the Reds have earmarked Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo as being their top target to replace Salah.
Liverpool are said to have been in constant contact with Kubo and his agents ever since January 2024 in preparation for a move.
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And with La Real looking likely to miss out on qualification for next season’s Champions League, the Reds are reportedly set for a ‘golden chance’ to sign the Japan star.
Other clubs – namely Bayern Munich and Tottenham – are claimed to be interested, but Liverpool’s interest is said to be the most concrete at this stage.
Kubo impresses Zinedine Zidane
Kubo has been linked with Liverpool before as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah.
Appearances Goals Assists
La Liga 27 5 0
Europa League 5 0 2
Copa del Rey 11 2 2
Takefusa Kubo 2024/25
And although he’s still only 23, the Japan international has been around for a long time – and has been impressing all the right people.
Back when he was a very young player on-loan at Mallorca from Real Madrid, then Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane was full of praise for Kubo.
“I think he’s having a good season,” Zidane said in June 2020. He’s playing a lot and that’s what we all wanted. He is a very interesting player, for the present and the future. I’m happy he’s doing well.”
With Kubo’s contract containing a release clause of around £50m, Liverpool know exactly how much it would take to get him out of San Sebastian.