[Europe / Overseas Soccer Reporter Column]Takefusa Kubo has been transferring rentals four times for three years from Real Madrid (LaLiga). Japan national team midfielder, who has been highly expected by the club’s upper management, is changing his direction. The Madrid number of “Marca” spells out his current situation.
The current situation where expectations are not being met
“Well, what happened to Takefusa Kubo …”
Such words have been spoken many times at Real Madrid’s club office this summer.
Recommended by the editorial department
Madrid welcomed Takefusa Kubo three years ago. He said it was an opportunity to attract world-class talent at a low price, and he swiftly managed to acquire it. But then, things didn’t go as the club expected. It’s no secret or anything that makes this Japanese player feel disappointed inside Madrid. They thought that Kubo could draw the largest scale trajectory in history as a Japanese player. With the transfer fee of 2 million euros paid when he acquired Kubo, it was a financially beneficial operation considering the amount he got from four rental transfers. However, his expectations were many times and tens of times higher than those “money”.
Mallorca, Villarreal, Getafe, Mallorca again … Kubo is the four teams that have played so far, and he hasn’t constantly demonstrated his talent. His brilliance is so intermittent that it seems to disappear by the 2021-22 season, and Madrid is beginning to question him. Certainly, Kubo is not at a level where he can get a place with the team led by Carlo Ancelotti. It is regardless of the passport issue, which has been often referred to as a “possible” issue (Kubo cannot acquire Spanish citizenship unless he ceases to be Japanese).
The contract between Madley and Kubo is until 2024. The decision made by the club will be important this summer, with two years left before the free transfer. Even if he’s not at a level where he can play in Madrid, he’s 21 years old and he’s well worth it. Some clubs have begun to comment, “If you receive a full transfer offer from another club, you should listen.” Until last summer, there was only an opinion that “other than the release by rental” …
Still, the majority of Madrid seniors are pushing for loan transfers. They believe Kubo could reverse the situation. Beyond the line of sight is the Qatar World Cup. If the Japanese midfielder plays an active part in the tournament, Madrid can justify the meaning of keeping him. Even if he doesn’t play an active role, he’s already rented this season and he’s got some money there as well. Ideally for those who push for rental, the contract will be extended during the season. The purpose is to prevent players from deciding to leave in the final season of the current contract (2023-24).
Talks with Real Madrid in the second week of July
Getty Images
Real Sociedad has recently emerged as Kubo’s transfer destination. It’s not a new transfer candidate. Two years ago, Madrid was pleased with Martin Ødegaard’s experience at La Real because he was about to send Kubo to San Sebastian (eventually transferred to Villarreal). The relationship between the two clubs is good, but for Madrid, the current La Real is one of many potential rental transfer destinations. In addition, Kubo, who is almost unable to acquire Spanish nationality, can challenge foreign clubs without having to extend his residence in the country.
Regarding La Real, Madrid and Kubo must also think about sports. La Real basically practices possession football and is considered an adaptable team for him. But that was what was said when he joined Villarreal, who left in just half a season. Also, if you mention the play position, it seems that you can find a place in the right wing where Adnan Januzaj (leaving free) and Portu (transfer to Getafe) left, but the living legend of Spain with the right inside half as the main battlefield David・ There is a possibility that the role will overlap with Silva … Conversely, it may be a great learning place for Kubo, who has been considered ideal to acquire a play style like Silva.
Kubo will discuss with Madley in the second week of July (unless there is an urgent need to decide on the future). Kubo, who has been considered to be the future player of Madrid for a while, is definitely less likely to do so. Can you prove that it is a mistake … The 2022-23 season will be a major turning point in that career, a season of competition.
Interview / text = Miguel Angel Lara / Spain “Marca” Real Madrid & Spain representative reporter
Translation = Shinichiro Ema