Liverpool have secret weapon to sign 'the Japanese Lionel Messi' Takefusa Kubo

Liverpool could have a secret weapon in their bid to sign Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo.

With the January transfer window coming to a close, Liverpool have been linked with a late move for Kubo, who has been impressing for Sociedad this season.

The Japanese winger played for Barcelona during his youth career before joining Real Madrid back in 2019.

After spending three years on loan at the likes of Mallorca, Villarreal and Getafe, Kubo joined Sociedad on a permanent deal in 2022.

Since then, the 22-year-old has made 69 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals.

His style of play has resulted in Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo comparing him to Barcelona great Lionel Messi.

According to Relevo, Liverpool are very interested in signing Kubo, who could be the long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

It has been claimed that the Japanese’s former club Madrid have a 50 per cent sell-on clause and a first refusal clause.

Liverpool will no doubt face competition from other clubs in the race to sign Kubo.

However, they could have a secret weapon in the shape of Wataru Endo, who joined Liverpool back in the summer.

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Endo was one of four new midfielders brought in by the Anfield club this season, along with Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Currently, Endo is away with the Japanese international team for the Asian Cup along with Kubo.

Endo could be already speaking to Kubo about the perks of playing for Liverpool in a bid to persuade his countryman to join him on Merseyside.

Liverpool will be back in action on Sunday afternoon when they welcome Championship side Norwich City to Anfield for the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The crowd inside Anfield will be loud for sure after the shock announcement that manager Jurgen Klopp will depart the club at the end of the 23/24 season.