Leeds have another chance at signing £34m star in January, he wants Premier League move
Leeds United need January transfer additions, or at least a differential forward player who is creative and a goal threat.
Players of that type were detailed when Graham Smyth explained ambitious ‘reach’ signings were one of the aspects of Leeds United’s summer transfer strategy.
In many ways, Leeds and the 49ers have delivered on Farke’s post-season requests from 2024/25. However, the creative winger or attacking midfielder did not come through the door. January is the time to address that, though.
In fact, we suggested Ritsu Doan should be considered by Leeds during the summer, given his ability to operate as a winger or No.10. Doan was then a serious target of Leeds in the summer.
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AS Roma v Real Sociedad – UEFA Europa League
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Takefusa Kubo could be Leeds’ answer in January
Japan are the shining lights of Asian football right now, with Ao Tanaka’s side already qualifying for the World Cup with one of the best teams ever constructed in Japanese football.
Tanaka is among that, but instead of joining Leeds and his Japanese teammate, Doan moved across the Bundesliga for £19 million to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Salt has been rubbed in the wounds further after Doan’s electric start with Frankfurt. The Japanese international playmaker is a teammate of Tanaka’s. That said, players like Doan are among Japan’s stars.
Alongside Kaoru Mitoma, Doan is one of the best players in this exciting Asian side, and he would have been perfect for Leeds. However, there is another in the form of Takefusa Kubo as well.
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Leeds wanted Kubo, who has a £52 million release clause. He plies his trade in Spain with Real Sociedad currently but the versatile winger or No.10 is similar to Harry Wilson and Facundo Buonanotte.
He is left-footed and a set-piece taker, but the 24-year-old would be Leeds’ best player if they pushed the boat out to land him in January, with his valuation potentially making him possible if Leeds can push back their PSR issues to the summer.
🚨🔍 Takefusa #Kubo is one to watch in the summer transfer window, as he’s currently leaning towards a move to the Premier League.
The 24y/o winger has already received multiple enquiries. Price valuation: €30-40m.
He remains under contract at Real Sociedad until 2029.… pic.twitter.com/6evZcSQbQv
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 7, 2025
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He remained with the La Liga side but Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg revealed in June that Kubo is one to watch, as he’s currently leaning towards a move to the Premier League.
He has already received multiple enquiries and his price valuation is €30-40 million (or a maximum of £34 million). However, he remains under contract at Real Sociedad until 2029. Leeds simply have to try and make a deal happen.
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Ritsu Doan alongside Ao Tanaka.
Photo by NESimages/Perry vd Leuvert/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Takefusa Kubo’s career stats for each club
When we discuss missing pieces of the puzzle or players who can complete an attack, Kubo perfectly fits the bill for Leeds and their right-hand side with Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin as the other forwards.
His ability to unlock doors and break open a game through individual brilliance, combined with his set-piece ability, are the reasons why he would suit the current team perfectly.
Team Appearances Goals Assists
FC Tokyo 30 6 4
Yokohama F. Marinos 6 1 1
Real Madrid 0 0 0
RCD Mallorca 67 6 8
Villarreal 19 1 3
Getafe 18 1 1
Real Sociedad 145 24 18
Japan 45 7 15
Takefusa Kubo’s career stats (all comps)
Kubo is a level or two above Wilson and Buonanotte, too. He profiles in a similar way, but he is a higher quality and calibre player Leeds could and should secure.
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