Michael Edwards now in advanced talks to sign player who called Liverpool 'awesome' in 2019

Michael Edwards is now trying very hard to secure the first significant signing of Arne Slot’s reign at Liverpool.

The CEO of Football at Anfield is yet to complete a transfer this summer – his first window since returning to Liverpool – although it sounds as if the man from Portsmouth is now close to sealing an expensive deal for a player who once admitted to admiring the Reds.

So, who is Michael Edwards now in advanced talks to sign for Liverpool? Let’s take a look…

Liverpool now in advanced talks to sign Takefusa Kubo

A story from Sponichi in Japan now claims that Liverpool are in advanced talks to sign Takefusa Kubo – and are ready to offer £55m to land the Real Sociedad No.14 this summer.

Rumours of Liverpool’s advanced talks were covered by TBR Football on Sunday, although to move the story onwards, the Japan international’s comments about the Reds from back in 2019 are worth exploring, as Sponichi fail to provide any insight as to whether the winger would like a move to Anfield.

Interestingly, Kubo described Liverpool as an “awesome” football club when asked to name his favourite European sides, telling Goal: “The team I think play the most interesting football is Liverpool. I feel they are awesome when I watch their games. It’s not really to say they are my favourite, but more like awesome.”

The 23-year-old scored seven goals and provided five assists in 41 appearances across all competitions last season from his position on the right of attack.

New Mohamed Salah

Sponichi interestingly mention that Liverpool believe Kubo has what it takes to be Mohamed Salah’s replacement at Anfield.

The Egypt international could soon leave Liverpool as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.

Saudi Pro League sides are keen to sign Salah from Liverpool, and it remains to be seen whether the Reds will cash in now, or risk losing their talisman for nothing in 2025.

READ MORE: Alexis Mac Allister now praises £33.7m wonderkid who rejected £260,000 Liverpool move

Whatever happens with the Egyptian, Edwards seems to believe Kubo is talented enough to replace him on Merseyside.