Takefusa Kubo, the talented Japanese midfielder, is at a pivotal moment in his career as he weighs his options for a potential transfer. Since joining Real Sociedad in the 2022/23 season, Kubo has established himself as a key player, but the club's recent struggles have raised questions about his future. With the resignation of long-time coach Imanol Alguacil, who has guided Kubo for six and a half years, speculation is rampant regarding where the young star might land next.
Real Sociedad currently finds itself in the middle of the La Liga table, and Kubo's contract runs until the 2028/29 season. The club has set a hefty release clause of 60 million euros (approximately 9.6 billion yen) for Kubo, which has attracted interest from several top clubs. Reports have linked him to Spain's elite teams—Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid—as well as international giants like Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bayern Munich.
However, Kubo is reportedly prioritizing participation in European competitions as a condition for his next club. This opens the door to clubs such as Villarreal, Real Betis, Celta de Vigo, and Osasuna, which may offer him the chance to play in Europe.
One of the most significant developments came on April 11, 2025, when Liverpool announced a contract extension for Mohamed Salah, effectively ending any hope of Kubo moving to the Premier League side. Despite being a highly sought-after player in the transfer market, Kubo is unlikely to leave Spain, where he has spent the majority of his career.
Among the top three Spanish teams, Barcelona has emerged as a potential destination for Kubo. Recent reports suggest a possible trade involving Barcelona's Eric Garcia, with Kubo returning to the club where he began his youth career at 'La Masia.' However, the presence of 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal, who has established himself as a regular on the right wing, poses a significant challenge for Kubo. Competing for a spot against Yamal and other talented players like Ansu Fati could prove difficult, especially given Barcelona's financial struggles, which complicate any potential transfer.
Real Madrid, who owns half of Kubo's rights, could also be an option, as the transfer fee would be relatively low at around 30 million euros (approximately 4.8 billion yen). However, Kubo faces stiff competition from Brazilian forward Rodrygo, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea. Kubo's past comments about his experiences at Real Madrid, where he stated, "I don't have good memories," add another layer of uncertainty to this potential move.
Atletico Madrid presents another intriguing possibility. The emergence of Diego Simeone's son, Giuliano Simeone, has solidified a starting spot on the right flank, while veteran Antoine Griezmann remains a formidable presence up front. If Kubo were to join Atletico, it would require significant changes to their current roster, including potentially letting go of Griezmann. Simeone's tactical approach, which emphasizes defensive solidity and counter-attacking football, could suit Kubo's skill set, but there are concerns about whether his style would fit into Simeone's system.
Turning to other clubs in Spain, Villarreal is a familiar place for Kubo, who had a loan stint there during the 2020/21 season. Unfortunately, he struggled to secure a regular spot due to tactical mismatches and the rise of Yeremi Pino. This season, Kubo faced boos from Villarreal fans when he returned to Estadio de la Ceramica as a Sociedad player, which could complicate any future return.
Real Betis has also been identified as a potential landing spot. The club boasts a talented squad, including players like Aitor Ruibal and Isco, but none have firmly established themselves as irreplaceable. Kubo's skill set aligns well with what Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini typically seeks, and the club's ambition to return to European competition could make them an attractive option for Kubo.
Celta de Vigo, with its current right-wing players like Iker Losada and Alfonso Gonzalez, offers Kubo an opportunity to step in as a starter. However, the club's status as a mid-tier team in La Liga raises concerns about whether joining them would represent a step backward in Kubo's career.
Osasuna, another Basque club like Sociedad, could also be an option due to the relative lack of competition on the right wing. However, their defensive style might not fully utilize Kubo's attacking talents, making this option less appealing.
Despite the swirling rumors and potential moves, Kubo's future remains uncertain. The recent announcement of Sergio Francisco as Sociedad's new manager suggests a continuity of the club's philosophy, which could lead Kubo to stay put. As the situation develops, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where the young star ultimately lands.
In conclusion, Takefusa Kubo's next move could significantly impact his career trajectory. While the allure of joining a top club is strong, the importance of securing regular playing time and continuing his development cannot be overstated. Whether he remains with Real Sociedad or embarks on a new adventure, Kubo's talent and determination will undoubtedly keep him in the spotlight.
