Matarazzo sentences Take Kubo

The transfer market of the Real Sociedad is experiencing a delicate moment with Take Kubo, who has lost prominence in the plans of Pellegrino Matarazzo after not playing against Olympique de Lyon on November 5. The coach has made it clear that internal competition and performance influence the lineups, while the winger from Japan, with a contract until 2029 and a release clause of 60 million euros, seeks to regain his place.

Real Sociedad reduces Kubo's prominence

Kubo had shown signs of recovery with a goal and an assist against Málaga, but he has not been able to maintain that momentum. He was a starter in the Europa League against Lillestrøm, while in the derby against Athletic Club, he only played the last 15 minutes.

The most significant episode occurred at Anoeta, during the 1-1 draw against Olympique de Lyon. Kubo warmed up for much of the second half, but Matarazzo chose to bring in Pablo Marín and Job Ochieng before turning to the Japanese international.

The coach explained afterward that the player will have opportunities again, but his continued presence will depend on what he contributes when he enters the field. He also justified the choice of Marín due to the tactical needs of the team, which was defending with a back five and required more coverage on the flanks.

The message does not imply a break with the player, but it does set a specific requirement: Kubo will have to make the most of the available minutes to regain weight in the rotation.

Kubo will remain at Real in January: the Asian Cup is postponed. The organization has decided to delay the competition for at least a year due to the political instability of the organizer, Saudi Arabia https://t.co/eRbrvWnQTG

— Mikel Recalde (@MikRec) November 3, 2026

Take Kubo's numbers explain his loss of minutes

The statistics reflect a secondary role at the start of the season. Kubo has accumulated 10 appearances, spread across seven league matches and three European ones, with five starts, five appearances as a substitute, and a total of 395 minutes.

The trend is also evident in LaLiga: after his performance against Málaga, the Japanese player has only added 15 minutes in the last five matchdays, according to data released this week. The lack of continuity makes it difficult for him to find competitive rhythm and regain the offensive influence he had shown in previous campaigns.

The problem did not begin with Matarazzo's arrival. In January, an injury suffered against Barcelona kept him out of competition for nearly two months. Later, another physical setback during Japan's first match in the World Cup interrupted his progress again.

Since then, the winger has not managed to string together a prolonged sequence of matches that would allow him to establish himself as an undisputed starter at Real Sociedad.

Japan and a long contract: Kubo's future

Despite his sporting situation, Real Sociedad maintains a strong contractual position. Kubo, at 25 years old, is contracted until June 2029 and has a release clause of 60 million euros. Additionally, Real Madrid retains 50% of any future capital gain in a potential sale, according to the published contractual information.

For now, the focus is on the field and not on a move. Matarazzo has reiterated that the player will have new opportunities, but has not guaranteed his immediate return to the starting eleven.

The next league fixture against Rayo Vallecano, scheduled for November 8, may provide an initial answer regarding his situation. Real Sociedad needs to decide whether to give him prominence from the start again or continue backing the players who best fit their current plan.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Matarazzo sentencia a Take Kubo