Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and winger Federico Chiesa were the only additions made by the Reds this summer; the goalie is still on loan at Valencia. Real Sociedad's Kubo, a winger, was one of many possible acquisitions that the club was connected to during the summer transfer window. Martin Zubimendi, a midfield player for Real Sociedad who played for Kubo, ultimately turned down the Reds despite their best efforts to sign him. Real Sociedad's Zubimendi is unlikely to be pursued again by Liverpool, but they could try to recruit Kubo, his teammate, in the summer, according to Spanish publication Fichajes. Mohamed Salah, a striker for Liverpool, is in the final year of his Anfield deal, and he has plenty of wealthy Saudi Arabian admirers.

The 23-year-old Japanese winger Kubo may be a long-term option for the Reds, who are trying to find a successor for the Egyptian.