Breaking News: A long-term replacement for Mo Salah has reached a record-breaking agreement ‘close’.

What is the process for replacing Mohamed Salah? Liverpool has been grappling with this dilemma for the past few seasons.

Salah, who transferred from Roma to Liverpool in 2017, has played a critical role in the club’s triumphs, which include the Premier League and Champions League titles. Nevertheless, there are apprehensions that Salah may also depart following the departure of manager Jurgen Klopp last season.

He is also not growing any younger. However, the Egyptian’s 32nd birthday appears to have resolved that quandary, at least according to recent reports from Japan.

An agreement to sign Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo is now imminent, according to the most recent update from Sponichi Annex. Kubo is reportedly eager to challenge himself in the Premier League, and negotiations are reportedly in their final phases.

A record-breaking move for KUBO.

This move is expected to break Japanese football’s transfer fee and salary records.

According to sources familiar with the situation, Kubo’s agents are currently in England completing the arrangements, and an agreement could be struck soon.

In February, the 23-year-old extended his contract with Real Sociedad until February 2029, with a release clause of €60 million (£51.4 million). Liverpool is ready to meet this provision, proposing €65 million (£55.7 million) in instalments.

This would be combined with a stunning yearly salary of €15 million (£12.8 million), which corresponds to around £240,000 every week.

The ‘Japanese Messi’
Kubo, dubbed the ‘Japanese Messi’, is a left-footed right winger who would be an excellent replacement for Salah.

Kubo began his career with FC Tokyo before moving to Real Madrid in 2019. Despite not making a first-team appearance for Real Madrid, he got vital experience on loan at Mallorca, Villarreal, and Getafe.

His permanent move to Real Sociedad in 2022 has been a huge success, with Kubo scoring 16 goals and assisting 14 times in 85 appearances. He was instrumental in helping Sociedad finish fourth in La Liga and return to the Champions League for the 2023-2024 season, after a nine-year hiatus.

However, the 23-year-old’s excitement about joining Liverpool is palpable. He has been learning English in preparation for a possible move, and he is now capable of conducting interviews in that language.

The presence of Japanese national team captain Wataru Endo at Liverpool is also viewed positively in Kubo’s decision.

If the transfer goes through, Kubo’s arrival would not only be a watershed moment in Japanese football, but it would also offer a vibrant new aspect to Liverpool’s offensive possibilities, especially because Luis Diaz is still linked with a move elsewhere.