Liverpool transfer plans could be shifting to Japanese ace and Portuguese defender

There is a new name being linked with Liverpool while yet another familiar defender is said to be the top target for the Reds.

Players of Portugal pose for a team photo prior to the Uefa...
Players of Portugal pose for a team photo prior to the Uefa... | Marco Canoniero/GettyImages

The summer transfer landscape is an everchanging picture as players and clubs fall in and out of love with each other almost daily if all reports are to be taken credibly.

Well, it has changed once again and we are here to see the latest updates for Liverpool as a familiar name is expected to be a 'priority' and a relatively new Japanese winger could be lined up as a future successor to the Reds already in place at Anfield.

Let's take a look at the two names that have popped up in recent times and what they could possibly bring if they do arrive.

Liverpool reportedly preparing £55m offer for Real Sociedad winger

Takefusa Kubo is one of the more electric young attackers currently playing in La Liga as he has become a vital part of the ascending Sociedad squad in recent years.

At 23, Kubo is still entering his best years in the sport and he could prove to be a huge addition for the long-term viability of the Liverpool attack. Japanese news outlet Sponichi is the source that has stated the Reds are preparing a big bid for his services.

Takefusa kubo
Japan v Syria - FIFA World Cup Asian 2nd Qualifier | Etsuo Hara/GettyImages

However, it would be an interesting signing if it did happen without someone exiting the club from the attack. Kubo might find consistent playing time hard to come by at least in his first year if the likes of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah are all still around.

It'll be interesting to see if this reported pursuit means that one of the above names could be on the move.

As a player though, Kubo is more than deserving of being a Reds target. He is dynamic on the ball with electric pace and dizzying dribbling skills. He would be a firestorm addition without a doubt.

Goncalo Inacio is said to be a top target for Liverpool

Inacio has had so many links to the Reds over the past 12-14 months that it's almost shocking he has yet to arrive at Anfield.

The 22-year old has been around the top of the game for so long that it's hard to believe he is still only 22. He is a gifted player on the ball and off-it and has become a integral part of the Portugal national team setup as well.

Goncalo Inacio
Georgia v Portugal: Group F - UEFA EURO 2024 | Jean Catuffe/GettyImages

Portuguese outlet Correio de Manha has reported that a nominal fee of £37/9 million would be the starting point for negotiations. For a player at his young age with a strong proven pedigree already that would be very astute business.

Per Fbref, his passing completion percentage of 89.1% is very elite. He also averages an astonishing 88 passes per 90 minutes with 8.5 of those being of the progressive variety.

This kind of style out of defense would be tremendous in an Arne Slot system and I am all for this move coming to fruition.