Liverpool rival Man Utd in race to sign Salah replacement

Cameron Smith

• 26 Jan 2024 13:19 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool have identified Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo as a viable transfer target and are planning to pursue the Japan star this summer, according to reports in Spain.

The Reds, who will be without Jurgen Klopp next season after he announced he would be leaving the club, want to add more attacking talent to their roster in 2024.

Spanish outlet Relevo (via AnfieldWatch) have reported that Liverpool initiated contact with Kubo regarding a possible January switch, but he wasn’t keen on leaving Sociedad mid-season.

As a result, the Anfield-based side will reportedly launch a pursuit this summer.

Kubo is also wanted by Manchester United, with the Red Devils viewing him as a possible replacement for Brazilian winger Antony, who has failed to impress following his €95 million move from Ajax in 2022.

However, they now face competition from Liverpool, whose interest comes following Mohamed Salah’s injury at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Luis Diaz has filled in as a right winger in recent weeks due to the fact of a Salah back-up at Anfield.

Signing Kubo would therefore fix that issue and provide Liverpool with a long-term replacement for Salah, who remains a target of the Saudi Pro League.

Takefusa Kubo: Mohamed Salah’s replacement at Liverpool?

Kubo has scored six goals and provided three assists in 18 La Liga appearances this season as Sociedad continue to impress.

The Japanese winger is similar to Salah in regards to the fact he is a left-footed right winger who likes to cut inside, and the stylistic characteristics don’t stop there.

Kubo is more technically secure with regards to his dribbling, but Sakah’s efficiency is world class and maybe something that Kubo can aspire to replicate if he does join Liverpool. The pair do share a desire to beat their full-back one-vs-one when possible, however.

He is also far less productive in the final third and will need to improve that if Liverpool are to be convinced if it’s worth paying his €60m release clause. However, the early signs are that Kubo is set for a glistening top level career.

Man Utd need him more given their lack of effective options on the right flank, but a move to Liverpool would help the Reds secure a player who has the potential of becoming Salah’s replacement in a few years time.