Liverpool remains strongly linked with a move for Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo but amid all the speculation surrounding the Japanese international's move to Anfield , a fascinating story has emerged.
The 23-year-old was on the youth books at Barcelona between 2011-2015 but was ultimately forced out of the club after it was found to have violated FIFA's international transfer policy for under-18 youths in 2014, according to GiveMeSport , having wrongfully registering 10 minors between 2009 and 2013 - of which one of them was Kubo.
Barcelona was handed a 14-month ban as a result and Kubo returned to his homeland in search of regular game time, having become ineligible to play for the Catalan club. During this same period, however, Barcelona was trying to sign Luis Suarez from Liverpool.
READ MORE: Takefusa Kubo 'already learning English' amid $71m Liverpool transfer rumors
READ MORE: Takefusa Kubo already made feelings clear on Liverpool amid $71m transfer rumors
The Uruguayan forward had made quite a name for himself at Anfield after plundering in 82 goals in 133 appearances for the Reds, including 31 goals in 33 Premier League appearances in his final season, and Barcelona had identified him as the perfect replacement for David Villa.
But the transfer embargo on the Spanish outfit meant that any transfer for Suarez would not go through, and the Liverpool forward would either remain at Anfield or move elsewhere. However, Barcelona lodged an appeal and the ban was delayed by 12 months, meaning it could wrap up a deal for the Reds icon.
Suarez would sign for Barcelona on a five-year-deal in July 2014 for an undisclosed fee, which was rumored to be around $97million (£75million/€89million), and earned himself legendary status in yet another part of the world following his time at the Camp Nou.
But had Barcelona not been granted a 12-month delay on its transfer embargo, a move for Suarez that summer would never have happened. With Kubo being one of the 10 players who were illegally signed, coupled with the fact he decided to leave the club in search of regular first-team football, the Japanese was booed by the club's supporters back in December 2019, despite never making his senior debut for the Catalan side.
Speaking to Movistar following a 5-2 defeat with Mallorca six years ago, as per the Echo , he said: "It's the fans' decision [to whistle me]. I took my decision (to leave in 2015), and they have the right to whistle me. I think I deserve it, even though some fans were applauding and giving me support.
"Is it a shame? No, they have to see me as an opponent, not as an 18-year-old boy who plays football quite well." Kubo scored four goals in 35 La Liga appearances for Mallorca that season, having been signed from Real Madrid on a season-long loan, and would eventually return to the club for a second spell just over a year later.
Spells at Villarreal and Getafe were sandwiched in between, before Kubo signed for his fifth La Liga club in Real Sociedad on a permanent deal in July 2022. Eighty-five appearances, 16 goals and 14 assists later, and Kubo has emerged as one of the brightest talents in La Liga - and Liverpool is closing in on a deal.
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