Real Madrid Confirm Signing Of 'Japanese Messi' Takefusa Kubo

Real Madrid have signed former Barcelona youth player Takefusa Kubo, the youngster known as the Japanese Messi, four years after their rivals had to release him.

It's been a big summer of signings at the Bernabeu already this summer and now they've signed the 'Japanese Messi' on a six year deal with Takefusa Kubo joining from FC Tokyo.

In a statement on their website the club confirmed the signing, also revealing he'll be joining their Castilla side, "Takefusa Kubo (06/04/2001, Kanagawa, Japan) will reinforce Castilla next season. The first Real Madrid affiliate will have one of the most promising young players in world football. An attacking midfielder of excellent technique, very skilled, with vision of game, great dribble and goal."

According to Football Espana the club have paid €2 million to sign the teenager from FC Tokyo and he joins Los Blancos on a six year deal.

Kubo had previously been at Barcelona's La Masia for four years between 2011 and 2015 but the club had to release the then 14 year old.

FIFA gave the Catalan giants a transfer embargo over signing foreign players under the age of 18 and the club had to let him go.

He joined FC Tokyo and made history in the J League when he became the competition's youngest ever player, aged 15 years, five months and a day.

Another J League record was broken five months later when he became the league's youngest ever scorer aged 15 years and 10 months.

The teenager went on loan to Yokohama F. Marinos for six months in 2018 but returned to FC Tokyo to become one of their first XI.

Kubo in Japan training. Image: PA Images

Turning 18 has meant he can officially move back to Europe. Kubo made his full Japan debut earlier this month in a friendly against El Salvador and is part of the squad for the Copa America.

Barcelona reportedly wanted him to move back to the Camp Nou whilst PSG and Manchester City were also linked with the youngster.

Los Blancos have already spent big this summer signing Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Ferland Mendy and Eder Militao and could yet add more.

Will Kuba end up being the next Messi or just another hyped up failure?

Topics: Football News, Eden Hazard, Barcelona, Luka Jović, Copa America, Spain, Japan, Real Madrid, La Liga

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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