Real Madrid needed to find a team for Takefusa Kubo. The young japanese boy, who has such a great potential on his feet, needs to play more minutes and to find continuity, something vital for the likes of his age and talent. He has shown his skills more than ever in these Olympic Games representing his country Japan and being one of the key players of the team.
It has been an uneven first two seasons on Real’s books for the Japanese international, as Kubo’s encouraging first loan to Mallorca was followed up by a lost 2020-2021 season with Villarreal and Getafe. The new season is at the door and Kubo’s desire to play and become better and better is even greater. He knows that Real Madrid needs top level players and seems ready to do whatever it takes to mature and become a main figure for Los Blancos in the future.
Thus, Real Madrid had to offer some stability for their prodigy, as it is clear that Kubo can reach great heights if the right attention is given to him. He needs the right environment to develop his abilities more and more and Real needs that environment to be in La Liga to help ease the 20-year-old’s eventual transition to the Royal White squad in the future.
As Kubo heads back to Spain in the wake of a fourth-place finish at the Olympics with the Samurai Blue, he looked poised to make his return to Mallorca, who were back in the top-flight after an immediate return from relegation. Though the Palma-based outfit were condemned to the drop during Kubo's first year with them in 2018-19, he is thought to have enjoyed his time with the club, where he forged a strong connection with fans in the community. With a return to his homeland already ruled out by Madrid - who wish him to remain in Spain - it seemed logical that he may wish to return to the club now that they have achieved top-tier status once more, despite Sociedad's attempts to forge a deal themselves.
Mallorca and Real Sociedad had been pinpointed as the two main suitors for Kubo and the journalist of Goal.com, Mario Cortegana, reports that the recently-promoted team was always in clear advantage to sign Takefusa Kubo on loan from Real Madrid. Kubo spent the 2019-2020 season with Mallorca, logging 2,312 minutes in LaLiga with four goals and four assists. He played very well and showed that he could reach a higher level in the league, yet he never got a real chance with the Yellow Submarine.
According to a report from Cadena SER’s Roberto Ramajo, Real Sociedad still kept a close eye on Takefusa Kubo and even asked Real Madrid once more about the Japanese international. Their sporting director is said to be a fan of Kubo’s and would reportedly try to pursue the attacking midfielder once more after losing out to the Yellow Submarine last summer. However his attempt turned out to be unlucky since Mallorca won the race again.
“Take Kubo! Take Kubo!”, - were the chants Real Madrid’s loanee was met with in Mallorca, as fans at Iberostar Stadium welcomed back Takefusa Kubo to their team. Kubo entered the game against Real Betis in the 61st minute. As he approached the sideline, Mallorca were up 1 - 0, but by the time he entered the field, the score was 1 - 1. Real Betis scored on a corner kick before the substitution was made.
The equalizer changed the dynamic of the game, somewhat. As things had initially stood, Kubo would’ve entered the field in a more open game, where Betis — vulnerable defensively all game — would’ve left even more space in transition as they chased the game. Kubo did look very energetic and motivated as he came on, even if he didn’t get on the ball that much since Mallorca was already trying to defend the result more than to score. Facing a tough opponent like Betis is not an easy thing! However, everytime he took the ball, he looked to break lines, and even won a couple free-kicks — one of which he took himself and sailed over the bar.
Kubo only had 13 touches in that draw, and played a more central role. He was part of a double sub, where he and left-winter Amath Ndiaye replaced forward Angel and right central midfielder and left-winger Salva Sevilla. Ndiaye went to the left wing, and Kubo played more centrally. Though Kubo did have his position shifted into more of a free-roaming 10 role as the half wore on and head coach Luis Garcia made more subs. All in all, it was certainly a promising start to the season for Mallorca who had a great game, and for Kubo, who is already getting integrated into the team.
A week later, Kubo was included again, this time for about 88 minutes. His performance was very positive and paves the way for a season full of chances and opportunities. Positioned again as an attacking midfielder he tried to create many chances for his teammates during the game and was often tripped by the opponents due to his great ball control and quick moves. Mallorca seems to be very well-prepared as the team has now 4 points and has takes two positive results against strong opponents, especially Alaves which will probably be a direct rival for a place in the 2022-23 La Liga campaign.
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