Manchester City to rival Real Madrid for €60 million star dubbed the ‘Japanese Messi’

Manchester City have shown an interest in rivalling Real Madrid for the signature of Real Sociedad forward Takefusa Kubo.

Pep Guardiola is expected to strengthen his squad again next summer, with Manchester City having already taken steps to complete a deal to bring City Football Group teenager Savio to the Etihad Stadium for the 2024/25 campaign.

The treble-winners have also been linked with a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich, as well as forward trio Lucas Paqueta, Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise, amid the possibility of more first-team departures.

Bernardo Silva could leave the Etihad Stadium due to a rumoured £50 million release clause within his most recent contract extension, meanwhile Kalvin Phillips is also expected to permanently depart the Blues.

Manchester City added Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, Matheus Nunes and Jeremy Doku to the squad last summer, and the Cityzens are already eying further additions ahead of the next campaign.

Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo is reportedly subject to interest from the reigning World Champions, with the 22-year-old having been monitored ‘closely’ by Manchester City ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

The Japanese winger has been directly involved in nine goals in 18 La Liga appearances so far this season, and also featured in all six UEFA Champions League Group Stage fixtures.

Fichajes.net. claim that City are willing to rival Real Madrid for the signature of Kubo, who has an estimated €60 million release clause.

Real Madrid do however have first right to refusal should a club look to sign the 22-year-old, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side also having a €30 million buy-back option.

Kubo moved to Real Sociedad from the Santiago Bernabeu in 2022, having moved to Spain from FC Tokyo in 2019.

The winger does have previous links to Manchester City, after playing for the Blues’ sister-club Yokohama F Marinos on loan.