Real Madrid have announced the signing of FC Tokyo midfielder Takefusa Kubo, who has been described as “the Japanese Messi,” was once on Barcelona’s books and made his debut for the Japan senior team earlier this month.
The 18-year-old will represent his country at the Copa America in Brazil.
In a statement, Madrid said Kubo would play for their Castilla youth team in Spain’s third tier next season.
??? Takefusa Kubo is a new @realmadrid player! He joins Castilla from next season. Welcome to the club, Takefusa! #HalaMadrid | #LaFabrica https://t.co/lIuJXksldA
— Real Madrid C.F. ???? (@realmadriden) June 14, 2019
“Real Madrid will have one of the most promising young players in world football, an attacking midfielder of excellent technique and very skilled,” the statement said.
Marca reported that Madrid would pay €2 million to FC Tokyo and had offered the player a five-year contract worth €1 million a year.
Real Madrid have beaten Barcelona to the signing of 18-year-old Japanese wonder kid Takefusa Kubo.
Kubo spent 4 years in Barça's La Masia academy before moving back to Tokyo in 2015.
Barça attempted to re-sign him, but the youngster has opted for rivals Madrid instead. ? pic.twitter.com/7vFf5tTVVl
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) June 14, 2019
Kubo will train with Zinedine Zidane’s senior side while playing for Castilla, following the policy set with the signings of Martin Odegaard and Vinicius Junior.