Real Madrid snap up 'Japanese Messi' Takefusa Kubo

INA - SOURCES

Real Madrid have won the race to sign Japanese sensation Takefusa Kubo, with the youngster agreeing a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu having previously spent time with Barcelona.

The 18-year-old, who has previously spent time with Barcelona, is back in Spanish football where he will link up with the Blancos' Castilla squad

He had been in Catalunya since August 2011, but headed home in March 2015 to join up with FC Tokyo.

Kubo had been highly-regarded during his spell at the famed La Masia academy system, with his outings for Barca’s youth teams earning him a billing as ‘the Japanese Messi’.

Those at Camp Nou had been hoping to be the ones to benefit from his obvious potential, but he has now linked up with their Clasico rivals.

Real Madrid said in a statement on their official website: "Takefusa Kubo will come in to strengthen the Castilla ranks next season.