Zinedine Zidane had 'interesting' verdict on Takefusa Kubo as Liverpool linked with $71m transfer

Liverpool continues to be heavily linked with making a move for Takefusa Kubo this summer as Arne Slot looks to bolster his forward ranks ahead of his Premier League debut season.

The Japanese outlet Sponichi Annex claimed over the weekend that Liverpool was "preparing" an offer of around $71m (£55m/€65m) for the Real Sociedad player and is willing to offer an eye-watering salary to get a deal over the line. The Reds are yet to dip their toe into the transfer market, though they remain keen to bring in reinforcements.

Kubo certainly fits the bill as being an exciting option for Liverpool in the final third. The Japan international has even received rave reviews from Zinedine Zidane.

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Kubo spent three years on the books of Real Madrid and was talked up by then-manager Zidane during his sensational loan spell at Mallorca. Speaking ahead of Los Blancos' clash with Mallorca in 2019, the French boss said: "I think he's having a good season. 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.

"Of course, if he were to stay at home tomorrow then that'd be better. But, I wish him the best and urge him to continue like this. His future, though, we won't decide until the summer. That's something for later."

Kubo spent the following campaigns on loan at Villarreal and Getafe before returning to Mallorca. In 2022, the ex-FC Tokyo star then joined Real Sociedad in what has been a fruitful move and his performances at the Reale Arena have seen him linked with a host of top clubs.

Kubo is capable of playing on either wing and also in central areas, having been deployed as a No. 10 and a makeshift striker previously. The versatility of the Japanese playmaker will certainly capture the attention of Liverpool, who are keen to improve their depth in the final third and will therefore be able to ensure that they have cover in several different roles by signing just one player.

It remains to be seen whether the Reds press on with their reported pursuit of Kubo or Slot overlooks the praise of Zidane in favor of alternative options out wide. If Liverpool does move for Kubo, it will almost certainly be for less money than currently being reported in terms of both a transfer fee and a salary package.

Liverpool.com says: Kubo is a good player but he only scored seven times in all competitions last season. To justify a transfer package as expensive as the one being talked about, that goalscoring record should be considerably better than that.