Liverpool is reportedly keeping a close eye on Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo, who recently turned down a lucrative offer from Al-Nassr to continue his journey with the La Liga outfit.
According to reports from Spanish outlet Relevo, Jürgen Klopp’s side holds a “special interest” in Kubo, who has been impressing with his performances at Reale Arena. The 22-year-old Japanese winger has tallied six goals and four assists in 25 appearances across various competitions this season.
Despite the tempting offer from Al-Nassr, Kubo seems committed to his current project with Real Sociedad. However, Liverpool views him as a potential target for the future, given his talent and potential. Kubo still has three years remaining on his contract with Sociedad.
Notably, the former Real Madrid youngster also attracted attention from Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al-Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo. Reports suggest that Kubo turned down a staggering €40 million contract offer from Al-Nassr, despite their willingness to activate his €60 million release clause.
Liverpool, if they decide to pursue Kubo, would likely need to match this release clause to secure his services at Anfield. Despite their current attacking options, which include the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Diaz, Klopp’s side is keeping tabs on potential reinforcements.
Salah’s future at Liverpool remains uncertain amid reported interest from Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, with the Egyptian star having just a year left on his current contract.
Liverpool’s Diogo Jota finds inspiration in Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable career
Jota has emerged as a key player for Liverpool in the absence of Salah, who is currently away at the African Cup of Nations. The Portuguese forward has been in sensational form, stepping up when his team needed him the most.
In 23 appearances across all competitions, the 27-year-old has notched an impressive tally of 11 goals and provided four assists. His standout performance came in Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Bournemouth, where he netted a brace and set up another goal.
Reflecting on his goalscoring exploits, Jota drew inspiration from Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing Ronaldo’s remarkable goal-scoring prowess even in his thirties.
Jota expressed, “You have a lot of energy when you are young, but you still make a lot of mistakes, and you always learn with experience. I always look up to [Cristiano] Ronaldo, for example, and I think he scored more goals since he has been over 30 than before he was 30, so that shows as well it’s doable.”
Ronaldo, now 38, holds the record for the most goals scored in club and international football history. With an astounding 739 goals in 993 club games and 128 goals in 205 international appearances, he continues to set the standard for goal-scoring excellence.
As the captain of Al-Nassr, Ronaldo ended 2023 as the top scorer in club football worldwide, notching an impressive 54 goals. His dominance in the Saudi Pro League remains unparalleled, reaffirming his status as one of the most prolific goalscorers in the game.
