Liverpool’s £55m deal for Takefusa Kubo could help fund Real Madrid’s own move for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo might indirectly fund Real Madrid’s bid for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
On Monday, reports revealed that Liverpool are eyeing Sociedad’s Japanese international winger Kubo, who has a release clause of €60 million.
Sources indicate that Liverpool are close to finalizing the deal for the 23-year-old, with negotiations already in the final stages.
However, securing Kubo could inadvertently aid Madrid in raising the necessary funds to acquire Alexander-Arnold.
Last week, reports surfaced that Los Blancos have initiated contact with Alexander-Arnold.
SPORTBILD’s Christain Falk wrote on social media: “Real Madrid is getting concret with Trent Alexander-Arnold (25).“Arnold has contract til 2025, no contract extension at Liverpool yet. The Player is interested, there is contact since month.”
It was reported that in 2022, Kubo moved to Sociedad from Madrid for a reported €6 million fee.
However, The Athletic reports that Sociedad only purchased 50% of Kubo’s rights.
This arrangement allows Madrid to either repurchase Kubo for half of what they sold him for or receive half of any profit Sociedad makes from a future sale.
Consequently, if Liverpool buys Kubo, Madrid could gain extra funds to entice Alexander-Arnold away from Anfield.
Liverpool in their preparation for the new season with new coach faced a defeat against Preston North End in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the AXA Training Centre.
Following the match, Arne Slot remarked, “After two intense weeks of training, playing a game is crucial. The key takeaway is that everyone was fit before the game and remained injury-free throughout.”
“So, it’s been a good two weeks. Unfortunately, the result today was not what we wanted, but they stayed fit, many of them got minutes [and] also a lot of young players got a few minutes so that was a good thing.”
Alexander-Arnold was part of Southgate’s final England squad, starting the tournament as a central midfielder before being dropped in favour of Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, who himself was then replaced by Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo.
In his club career, Alexander-Arnold was brought into the Liverpool team by Jurgen Klopp back in 2016, who himself has stepped down as Anfield boss after nearly a decade in charge, and has been succeeded by Arne Slot.
Alexander-Arnold believes his former boss on Merseyside would be welcome as the Three Lions boss, though he also admits he would be surprised to see Klopp become the new England manager.
Speaking to the Mirror, Alexander-Arnold said: “I enjoyed every moment I worked with him, we shared amazing memories, forged an amazing relationship, an amazing bond. So of course if that were to happen, we would pick up where we left off.
“I would be surprised if he did take it. It was clear when he announced when he was leaving, the conversations I have had with him, everything on social media, he seems to be enjoying his time off, so it would be a huge surprise.
“On Southgate, the Liverpool man added: “I can only be thankful for every opportunity I have been given and the memories that we have shared. I do think Gareth is underrated.
“I think the England manager’s job is one of the hardest jobs there is. You will always be judged, there is always speculation, people always have their opinions.
“But the way he has driven the team and the environment for the players is there for everyone to see. There was unity, everyone came together as a team, but every manager does come in for criticism. The way he dealt with it was incredible and yet again, he got us to a final.”
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