Japanese Midfielder Takefusa Kubo Eyes Premier League Move Amid Rising Transfer Interest

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 05: Takefusa Kubo of Japan and Riley Mcgree of the Socceroos chase after the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round Three AFC Asian Qualifier match between Australia Socceroos and Japan at Optus Stadium on June 05, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 05: Takefusa Kubo of Japan and Riley Mcgree of the Socceroos chase after the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round Three AFC Asian Qualifier match between Australia Socceroos and Japan at Optus Stadium on June 05, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

 

Takefusa Kubo’s future is attracting intense scrutiny this summer as the Japanese international considers a move away from Real Sociedad. Despite reported interest from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, Kubo is understood to prefer a switch to the Premier League.

Premier League Interest Rising

Now in his third season at Real Sociedad, the 24-year-old attacker played a key role during a challenging campaign for the Basque club, recording seven goals and four assists in 52 appearances. Sociedad ultimately finished 11th in La Liga, missing out on European football for next season. With long-serving manager Imanol Alguacil set to depart, significant changes are expected at the club this summer—a situation that has placed Kubo’s future in the spotlight.

German journalist Florian Plettenberg has reported that Kubo is “considering a move to the Premier League,” noting that the player has already received multiple enquiries from English clubs. While no specific teams have been named, this interest comes amid recent links to Liverpool and Arsenal.

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - MARCH 29: Takefusa Kubo of Real Sociedad battles for possession with Luis Perez of Real Valladolid CF during the LaLiga match between Real Sociedad and Real Valladolid CF at Reale Arena on March 29, 2025 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - MARCH 29: Takefusa Kubo of Real Sociedad battles for possession with Luis Perez of Real Valladolid CF during the LaLiga match between Real Sociedad and Real Valladolid CF at Reale Arena on March 29, 2025 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

 

Contract and Transfer Fee

Kubo remains under contract at Real Sociedad until June 2029, with his release clause reported to be €60 million (approximately 99 billion won). According to reports, however, his current valuation is expected to be between €30 million and €40 million.

Kubo’s experience at Barcelona’s youth academy and loan spells at Mallorca, Villarreal, and Getafe prepared him well for life in Europe before his permanent move to Real Sociedad in July 2022. Since then, he has amassed 137 appearances, scoring 23 goals and providing 18 assists across all competitions.

Bayern Munich’s Reported Interest

In recent weeks, reports from Spain have indicated that Bayern Munich have also shown interest in Kubo as they look to bolster their attacking options. However, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano recently commented that “signing Kubo will not be easy” and estimated the chances of Bayern securing a deal at just 20 percent.

A Summer Decision Looms

With multiple Premier League clubs already making enquiries and Bayern’s interest unlikely to lead to a swift deal, Kubo appears set to prioritise a move to England. As the summer transfer window unfolds, all eyes will be on whether any Premier League club is willing to meet Real Sociedad’s financial demands and secure the services of one of Japan’s most exciting attacking talents.

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