Approved by Frank: Tottenham now launch move to sign “world-class” Savinho alternative
As the transfer window enters its decisive phase, Tottenham Hotspur have pivoted their attention to Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo after encountering difficulties in their pursuit of Manchester City’s Savinho.
The North London club, still reeling from Son Heung-min’s departure to LAFC, urgently needs to bolster its attacking options, and manager Thomas Frank has reportedly given his approval for a move targeting the Japanese international.
The initial interest in Savinho made logical sense for Spurs. The Brazilian winger’s explosive pace and technical quality would have perfectly complemented Tottenham’s existing attacking threats.
Recent reports from Fabrizio Romano even suggested the player himself was keen on the move. However, Manchester City’s reluctance to sell—coupled with their expected demands for a premium fee has forced Tottenham to explore alternative options.
Enter Takefusa Kubo, the 24-year-old Sociedad winger who has been turning heads in La Liga since his arrival from Real Madrid. While not as physically imposing as Savinho, Kubo brings a different dimension to the attack with his exceptional close control, vision, and tactical intelligence.
His former Barcelona manager Xavi once lavished praise on the Japanese star, calling him “world class” both with and without the ball a testament to his all-round game that goes beyond mere statistics.
Takefusa Kubo’s La Liga Performance Breakdown
| Season | Appearances | Goals + Assists | Key Passes per Game | Successful Dribbles per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 35 | 16 | 1.8 | 2.1 |
| 2023-24 | 30 | 11 | 1.5 | 1.7 |
| 2024-25 | 36 | 5 | 1.2 | 1.9 |
The numbers reveal a player who, while experiencing some inconsistency in direct goal contributions, maintains a strong creative influence.
His 2022-23 campaign stands out as particularly impressive, with 16 combined goals and assists showcasing his potential to be a difference-maker at the highest level.
Sociedad’s €70 million (£60 million) valuation reflects Kubo’s importance to their project, but Tottenham appear willing to meet this asking price.
The Japanese international’s versatility capable of playing across the front three would give Frank multiple tactical options, something crucial for a team competing on multiple fronts.
His experience in both La Liga and the Champions League also suggests he could adapt quickly to Premier League demands.
Comparing Kubo to Savinho presents an interesting dilemma for Tottenham’s recruitment team:
Savinho vs. Kubo: Key Attributes Compared
| Attribute | Savinho | Takefusa Kubo |
|---|---|---|
| Pace | Elite | Above Average |
| Dribbling | Exceptional | World Class |
| Final Ball | Developing | Excellent |
| Tactical IQ | Good | Exceptional |
| Defensive Work | Average | Strong |
| Adaptability | Unproven in England | Tested in Top Leagues |
While Savinho might offer more raw speed and physicality, Kubo’s superior technical skills and proven track record in a major European league make him a compelling alternative.
His ability to retain possession in tight spaces and pick decisive passes could be particularly valuable against deep-lying Premier League defenses.
The potential acquisition also carries significant commercial appeal for Tottenham. Kubo’s status as Japan’s brightest footballing star would open up substantial marketing opportunities in Asia, helping the club expand its global footprint following Son’s departure.
As negotiations progress, Tottenham fans will hope this move doesn’t become another protracted saga. With the September 1 deadline approaching, securing Kubo’s signature would allow Frank valuable time to integrate him before crucial fixtures.
While not the marquee name some might have hoped for, the Japanese winger’s pedigree suggests he could be exactly what Spurs need to take their attack to the next level a creative force capable of both scoring and creating while fitting seamlessly into Frank’s tactical framework.
The coming days will reveal whether Tottenham’s interest materializes into a concrete offer, but one thing is certain: after a summer of rebuilding, Kubo could be the final piece in Frank’s new-look attacking puzzle.