Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing to make a serious move for La Liga winger Takefusa Kubo as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the January transfer window.
Co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange are said to have made the 24-year-old Japanese international a priority target, with Spurs reportedly willing to meet the £53 million release clause in his contract to secure the signing.
Kubo, who currently plays for Real Sociedad, has also expressed a desire to join the Premier League side, viewing the move as a step that could give his career the competitive edge he seeks.
The interest in Kubo comes as Tottenham look to address some creative deficiencies in their squad. While Thomas Frank has overseen a solid start to the season, Spurs’ recent 1-0 home defeat to Chelsea highlighted a lack of creativity in open play, with the team registering just one shot on target all match.
Frustration was evident as players such as Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence openly expressed their displeasure after the game.
However, the club rebounded in midweek with a 4-0 Champions League victory over FC Copenhagen, showcasing their attacking potential, with standout performances from Xavi Simons and Van de Ven.
Despite flashes of brilliance, the club’s management remains keen to strengthen the forward line and final third. Reports suggest that Spurs are exploring multiple options in January, including a potential loan-to-buy deal for former Brentford striker Ivan Toney, while winger Kevin Schade has also been identified as a priority target.
Dean Jones of TEAMtalk notes that Tottenham are actively compiling a list of potential signings, although some targets may remain unattainable due to high transfer fees.
Paratici, meanwhile, is reportedly assessing opportunities for “some of the biggest signings in the club’s history,” reflecting the ambition behind Tottenham’s winter plans.
Kubo’s profile makes him particularly attractive. Since joining Sociedad from Real Madrid in 2022, he has recorded 24 goals and 18 assists in 146 appearances, while his one-on-one ability stands out.
According to WhoScored, he completed an average of 2.1 successful take-ons per 90 minutes last season in La Liga, more than any other Sociedad player and surpassing any current Tottenham player.
Former Mallorca CEO Maheta Molango, who worked with Kubo during his loan spell in 2019-2020, praised his talent, technical skill, intelligence, and leadership qualities, describing him as a player with the potential to become a global superstar.
Off the field, Kubo’s arrival could also yield commercial benefits for Tottenham, particularly in Asia. With the departure of Son Heung-min last summer, Spurs lost a significant marketable presence in Asia, and Kubo’s strong fanbase in Japan could help boost the club’s profile and commercial revenue in the region.
His versatility as a winger and ability to adapt to multiple attacking roles makes him a valuable addition for Thomas Frank, offering both technical creativity and marketing appeal.
Below is a summary of Spurs’ key recent signings under Fabio Paratici, highlighting the club’s willingness to invest heavily in talent:
| Player | Transfer Fee | Position | Season Signed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cristian Romero | £42.5m | Centre-back | 2022/23 |
| Dejan Kulusevski | £25.5m | Winger/Forward | 2022/23 |
| Rodrigo Bentancur | £21.5m | Midfielder | 2022/23 |
| Pedro Porro | £40m | Right-back | 2022/23 |
| Djed Spence | £20m | Right-back | 2022/23 |
Kubo’s potential move reflects Tottenham’s dual strategy of strengthening the squad on the pitch while expanding their commercial reach internationally.
With the club prepared to trigger his release clause and the player keen on the move, the January transfer window could see Spurs secure a player capable of significantly elevating their attacking threat while also providing long-term value.
