The Real Sociedad star is set to stay this summer as the giants battle for key assets

Real Sociedade are facing an uphill battle to keep hold of their star players this summer, after several successful seasons and a strong showing in the Champions League put them in the spotlight. However, they seem to be hanging on Takefusa Kubo.

The Japanese star was linked to Saudi Arabia and Liverpool during the transfer window in January, and with a release clause of 60 million euros, it seemed that he would be caught this summer at one point. However Matteo Moretto explained that there has been no contact regarding Kubo, nor their offers for the 23-year-old. For his part, Kubo is focused on Real Sociedad and will improve again next season.

This will be a relief at the Real Arena, with Barcelona having been interested in Mikel Merino, Robin Le Normand a target for Atletico Madrid, and the usual interest in Martin Zubimendi from the great and the good across Europe. Imanol Alguacil could be faced with something to rebuild this summer, depending on how things play out, but Kubo's continuity would be one less problem to solve.