Takefusa Kubo, once seen as a young talent on the periphery of Real Madrid's star-studded lineup, has blossomed dramatically since moving to Real Sociedad, proving he can flourish when provided with opportunity and space. The Japanese international, who arrived at Real Sociedad from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022, has quickly established himself as one of the club's linchpins, contributing significantly to their recent successes.
Having initially been recruited by the Spanish giants back in 2019, Kubo had high hopes of breaking through at the Bernabéu. His time there, unfortunately, was fraught with challenges and all too often he found himself farmed out on loan. With unsuccessful stints at various clubs including Mallorca, Villarreal, and Getafe, Kubo struggled to find his feet. After showing flashes of brilliance at Mallorca, where he became somewhat of a fan favorite, Real Madrid eventually decided to let him go, sensing he would be more successful elsewhere.
Since taking the leap to Real Sociedad, under the management of Imanol Alguacil, Kubo has truly found his form. The 22-year-old has become integral to the team's attacking play, showcasing his skills as both playmaker and scorer. Last season, he lit up La Liga, netting 22 goals—a phenomenal achievement which places him among the elite performers.
The upcoming Copa del Rey semifinals present Kubo with the perfect stage to demonstrate his growth. The match will see Real Sociedad standing against none other than Real Madrid, the club which released him. The player has openly expressed his motivation, aiming to prove his former club wrong. "Take Kubo wants to show Real Madrid they made a mistake selling him," reported by El Debate, encapsulating the determination fueling his performances.
What makes Kubo's situation even more intriguing is the financial arrangement tied to his transfer. Real Madrid negotiated their sale carefully, retaining 50% of any future profits should Kubo be sold again. This means if another club, possibly Liverpool, seeks to acquire him for around 40 million euros, Real Madrid could stand to make approximately 17 million from such a transaction.
It seems Kubo's potential for future earnings is now being watched closely by the big clubs. Reports have surfaced indicating Liverpool's interest, adding weight to the future of the young star. "Liverpool is set to offer for the starlet, which could facilitate substantial gains for Real Madrid," reported Madridista Real.
Such speculation about Kubo's future aligns with his ambitions. He has committed to contributing to Real Sociedad for the long haul, even extending his contract to 2029—a sign of his dedication and trust placed by the club. Reflecting on his career, Kubo said, "I play football because I love it, not for the money," as reported by La Razon. His sincerity shines through, hinting at his commitment to the sport rather than mere financial gain.
Kubo is not just finding personal success but has also become pivotal to the Real Sociedad community. Known for his down-to-earth personality, he has recently been spotted participating in local activities, such as playing beach volleyball at the Ondarreta and dining at popular eateries around San Sebastián. The local fans adore him, viewing him as one of their own and counting on him to lead the charge during the challenging end-of-season fixtures.
The anticipation surrounding the semifinals against Real Madrid encapsulates the dichotomy of Kubo's experience. The match will test not only the strength of Real Sociedad but also Kubo's resolve and growth as a player. Fans are hopeful for another remarkable performance from him, akin to his past displays, which brought victories and exhilaration.
Imanol Alguacil, the Real Sociedad gaffer, remains realistic yet optimistic, remarking on the rivalry’s significance and the respect his team holds for Madrid. “They are the best team in the world. But we will do everything we can so they cannot show their level,” he expressed, reiterations of his faith in his team’s preparation for the battle.
Kubo's continued success appears to embody the resurgence of Real Sociedad as they have thrived against prestigious opponents. The fans believe Kubo is integral to their aspirations, as every time he scores, the team is statistically more likely to win.
Indeed, the narrative surrounding Take Kubo has transformed from one of missed opportunities at Real Madrid to one of redemption and celebration at Real Sociedad. Should he continue to perform at this high level, not only will he solidify his reputation as one of the best talents to emerge from Japan, but he may also pave the way for future international stardom—from potentially securing more prominent contracts to inspiring younger Japanese footballers.
Whether against Real Madrid or any other formidable opponent, Kubo now faces the challenge of maintaining his upward momentum, keeping his focus on football and the contributions he can make to his current team. The future remains bright for this young star, whose resilience and passion for the game could shape the next chapter of his career, one filled with lofty ambitions and promises.