One Liverpool star has accidentally leaked Arne Slot's summer transfer plans, although the wait for his first signing goes on.
Liverpool are preparing for their first season of the post-Jurgen Klopp era, with Dutchman Arne Slot replacing the German as manager.
The Premier League heavyweights are yet to make a signing this summer; with Arsenal, Manchester United, City and Chelsea all making signings, some fans are starting to get wrestles.
The good news is that one Liverpool player appears to have leaked his new manager's transfer plans. But it's also bad news.
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According to Wataru Endo, Liverpool are preparing for life without Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian talisman's current contract will expire next summer, and he is yet to pen a new deal with the club.
Speaking to Abema Sports Time, Endo revealed identified Real Sociedad winger and Japan teammate Takefusa Kubo as someone he would like to see replace Salah.
"The search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah has begun, so this is becoming a real area for Liverpool to strengthen," Endo said.
"I think the player who can replace him, in the national team, would be Kubo."
Several Japanese publications have reported that Liverpool are close to agreeing a £50.6 million deal with Real Sociedad, and that talks with the 23-year-old's representatives are in the final stages.
However, according to the Liverpool Echo, Kubo is not on the brink of a move to Anfield, even if Liverpool's interest in him is concrete.
Kubo certainly fits the profile of player Liverpool are looking for. The 23-year-old is a pacy, left-footed right-winger, although he has yet to match the numbers Salah has put up during his time in the Premier League.
Kubo has scored 16 goals and assisted another 14 in 85 appearances for Real Sociedad.
He has also turned out for FC Tokyo, Yokohama F. Marinos, Real Mallorca, Villarreal and Getafe.
Kubo spent four years in Barcelona's youth ranks between 2011 and 2015, and was brought back to Europe as an 18-year-old by Real Madrid.
After three years at the club and four separate loan spells, Madrid sold Kubo to Real Sociedad in 2022.
Topics: Premier League, Mohamed Salah, Wataru Endo, Arne Slot, Football
Alex Brotherton