Tottenham’s interest in Takefusa Kubo has sparked a wave of discussion in Spain, especially among those who follow Real Sociedad closely. The feeling inside the Basque club is that the attention may not only be expected but may also arrive at the right moment, because Sociedad are a club that, from time to time, must sell in order to keep their finances balanced.
Journalist Marco Antoni Sande explained this clearly while speaking on COPE Gipuzkoa, where the topic of Kubo and Tottenham was heavily debated.
A report from England this week claimed that Spurs are ready to step forward with a €60m offer for the Japanese international. That figure matches the value of his release clause and is the same amount Tottenham were reportedly willing to pay when they showed interest back in August.
The link has never gone away; it has simply become more active as the January window draws closer. For many around the club, it feels like the natural next step in the story.
According to Sande, Real Sociedad’s latest financial accounts show that the club sometimes needs to make a big sale to maintain what he described as an “exquisite standard of living.”
With a high budget to support and less commercial power than the giants of La Liga, the club occasionally relies on selling valuable assets to manage the books.
Kubo, in that sense, is seen as the most likely candidate should they feel forced to accept a major offer. His performances, potential and international marketability make him the standout player most capable of attracting a significant fee.
Former Real Sociedad defender and club legend Bixio Gorriz did not shy away from the situation when asked about the possibility of losing Kubo. In his view, a €60m bid from Tottenham is simply too big to refuse.
He even suggested that there should be “no debate” inside the club if such an offer arrives. His only disappointment is rooted in the structure of the original transfer deal, which means the Basque side would only keep half of the fee.
This is because Kubo’s move from Real Madrid to Sociedad included a clause that sends 50% of any profit directly back to the Spanish giants. As Mauri Idiakez later explained, Sociedad paid €7m for the winger, so if Tottenham trigger the €60m clause, the profit would be €53m and Real Madrid would be entitled to half of that amount.
It is a structure that benefits Madrid and limits Sociedad’s financial return, but even with this condition, the overall income still represents a huge opportunity for the club.
Reports from August already indicated that Tottenham did not see the release clause as an obstacle. Now, as January approaches, that confidence appears unchanged.
The €60m figure is high but not unreasonable for a Premier League side looking for a dynamic, technical wide forward who is still only 24 years old and has room to grow.
Local sources in Gipuzkoa, including Mundo Deportivo’s regional branch, have echoed that Kubo is considered “accessible,” even if the price is not light. Compared to other targets, especially someone like Ivan Toney, who would cost significantly more, Kubo is seen as a more realistic signing.
His ability to play on the right wing, as an attacking midfielder or even as a second forward adds to his appeal. He brings flexibility, creativity and a fearless style of dribbling that many clubs admire.
Despite all this, Real Sociedad have made one thing clear: they will not accept less than the €60m release clause. If Tottenham want him in January, that is the price. Anything lower is not up for discussion, even if the club only receives half. The clause gives Sociedad a measure of control. Either they get the full €60m, or Kubo stays until the summer.
All of this creates a delicate but potentially decisive situation for Spurs. The player is admired by the club, the price is clear, and Sociedad’s financial landscape suggests they may be more open than usual to a major sale.
It is also believed that Kubo himself would be tempted by the chance to join Tottenham, especially with the Premier League’s global reach and the opportunity to take an even bigger step forward in his career.
For now, the story remains alive on both sides. Real Sociedad know they may not keep Kubo forever, and Tottenham know that signing him will require clarity and commitment.
As the winter window approaches, the feeling grows that this could be one of the defining transfer battles of the season—and perhaps the moment when Spurs finally land a player they have admired for months.
