Real Madrid: Takefusa Kubo wants to return, but here’s why he can’t

Villarreal want to let Takefusa Kubo leave, but a return to Real Madrid is highly unlikely.

Keeping track of Real Madrid loanee Takefusa Kubo‘s Villarreal loan hasn’t been a very pleasing experience. Although I haven’t watched many games, my friend and fellow writer at The Real Champs, Hridyam Arora, told me that Kubo hasn’t lived up to the expectations. He has been observing Kubo’s appearances, having to also watch matches where the Japanese starlet didn’t play a single second.

Now, there are persistent rumours about Kubo being told that his loan can be terminated and he can either return to Real Madrid or go on loan to another club. Reports have also suggested that he wants to stay at Villarreal and fight for his place.

Several Spanish clubs are chasing the signature of Takefusa Kubo, with Getafe reportedly the leading candidate. Real Madrid share an excellent relationship with Getafe, although there hasn’t been any sort of business between the two teams in recent years. Yet, Getafe’s pursuit of Brahim Díaz last season is proof that the two clubs remain in contact for possible loan deals.

One question arises amidst everything. Can Kubo return to Real Madrid? Well, he can because why not? He is returning to his parent club. But, such are the regulations of La Liga that he cannot return even if all parties greenlight this option. And that’s because Real Madrid’s all three non-EU spots have been occupied. The three Brazilians of Los Blancos – Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Éder Militão – are currently occupying the three non-EU spots. Viní arrived two-and-a-half years ago, so he is the closest to gaining Spanish citizenship, which would free up one non-EU spot.

There are three routes for Takefusa Kubo

Kubo could return if Viní does somehow gain Spanish citizenship before the end of the winter transfer window. However, such things can always take more time than expected, and that is more likely in this case. Given the stage that Kubo is at, he needs minutes, and in my opinion, I don’t think that he will reject the offers from other Spanish clubs.

There are three routes that this could go to, 1) Kubo will end up being at Villarreal, 2) Kubo will transfer to another La Liga team where he will be guaranteed minutes, and 3) A return to Real Madrid, which can be possible if Viní becomes a Spanish citizen.

The hamstring injury to Rodrygo does make things very interesting as it has opened up a door through which Kubo could return, while also keeping in mind that several clubs like Arsenal want Viní on loan, if rumours are to be believed. And, even if Real Madrid recall Kubo, I think he will have to go through the same that he has had to go through at Villarreal, under Unai Emery. I will be writing about that in the coming days.

Anyway, he will face immense competition in attack at Real Madrid. The best option for Kubo would be to play at a club like Getafe and earn some valuable playing time so as to not get stymied. It would be such a shame if a player of the caliber of Kubo wastes a year of his development searching for playing time. He has a promising future ahead of himself, a future most certainly at Real Madrid in a few years’ time.