JAKARTA - Japanese young player Takefusa Kubo has been loaned by Villareal for the 2020/2021 season from Real Madrid. Kubo has yet to get a place in Los Blancos' main squad.
"Real Madrid and Villareal have reached an agreement on the loan of Takefusa Kubo for next season, with a tie that runs until 30 June 2021," said a statement from Villareal.
The 19-year-old winger spent last season on loan at relegated Real Mallorca and has impressed. He has four goals and five assists in 35 appearances in the Spanish league.
One of Kubo's best performances was in Mallorca's 3-1 win over Villareal in November, when he earned his team a penalty before scoring a goal from long-range.
Joining Villareal, who will feature in the Europa League next season and under Unai Emery, will be the youngster's next step forward.
Kubo, who has played for the Japanese national team seven times, will be introduced at the Villareal headquarters, La Ceramica Stadium, on Tuesday night.
Villareal labeled him as a young midfielder who possessed excellent ball control, had an outstanding ability to get past opponents, and had excellent vision for the game.
Kubo joined Barcelona's academy, La Masia, at the age of ten, and once asked for Lionel Messi's autograph during his four years at the Catalan club.
✍ Take Kubo 👍 # WelcomeKubo👉 https://t.co/r3SwNUNtTV pic.twitter.com/OaKeLMaXpL
- Villarreal CF English (@Eng_Villarreal) August 10, 2020
But Barca were handed a two-year transfer ban in 2015 after violating FIFA regulations regarding youth recruitment, and Kubo is one of several young players forced to leave.
He returned to Japan to join FC Tokyo, and although Barca hope he can return to join them one day, Real moved quickly to sign him on a six-year contract last year.
Zinedine Zidane praised Kubo's performances when he played for Mallorca against his owner club in June.
"He is a very smart player, he always tries to score goals, and I am not surprised by how well he plays," said Zidane.
Several Spanish clubs have shown interest in signing Kubo, but Real think Villareal is the best option.
The Yellow Submarine finished fifth last season and Emery, who replaced Javi Calleja as coach, is believed to have special hopes for his signing.
Villareal is trying to add strength after losing Santi Cazorla who is anchored at the Qatari club, Al Sadd. They are reportedly trying to sign Dani Parejo and Francis Coquelin from Valencia.
#VillarrealTV | Take Kubo is now in Vila-real. Enjoy his first moments on board the Yellow Submarine! 💛👏 # WelcomeKubo pic.twitter.com/UWnOqkWUOG
- Villarreal CF English (@Eng_Villarreal) August 10, 2020
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