Why Did Kubo Leave Barcelona?

By Anna Duncan

Kubo, the young Japanese player, was one of the most promising talents to join Barcelona’s youth academy in recent years. However, after spending just one season with the club, he left for RCD Mallorca on loan.

This sudden departure raised many questions among Barca fans and football enthusiasts alike. So why did Kubo leave Barcelona?

Background of Kubo’s Signing

In 2019, Barcelona signed Takefusa Kubo from FC Tokyo with high hopes for his future at the club. The then 18-year-old was regarded as one of the most talented young players in Japan. He had previously spent time honing his skills at La Masia, Barcelona’s famed youth academy when he was just 10 years old.

Kubo’s Season with Barcelona

Barcelona initially planned to integrate Kubo into their B team and allow him to develop gradually. However, he impressed during preseason and earned a spot in Ernesto Valverde’s first-team squad for the start of the 2019-20 campaign.

Despite his impressive performances in preseason matches, Kubo found it challenging to break into the first team during competitive fixtures. As a result, he only played one match for Barca’s senior side – a Copa del Rey tie against UD Ibiza.

Kubo’s Loan Move to RCD Mallorca

In search of more playing time and opportunities to gain experience, Kubo joined RCD Mallorca on loan for the 2020-21 season.

During his time with Mallorca, Kubo became an integral part of their squad. He made 35 appearances across all competitions and scored four goals while also providing five assists.

Reasons Behind Kubo’s Departure

So why did Kubo leave Barcelona? There are several factors that contributed to his departure:

  • Lack of Playing Time: Kubo was unable to secure a regular spot in Barcelona’s first team, which hindered his development.
  • Competition for Places: Barcelona’s squad is packed with world-class players, and it can be challenging for young talents to break through.
  • Lack of Trust: Some reports suggest that Valverde did not have enough faith in Kubo’s abilities, which limited his chances of playing.
  • Loan Opportunities: Mallorca’s offer to take Kubo on loan was too good to refuse. It allowed him to gain valuable experience and playing time in a competitive league.

Kubo’s Future

Kubo has already established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in La Liga. His loan spell at Mallorca proved that he has the potential to become a top player.

Rumours suggest that Barcelona may look to bring him back for the upcoming season. However, if they fail to do so, there will undoubtedly be several suitors vying for his signature.

In Conclusion

Kubo’s departure from Barcelona was a result of several factors, primarily his lack of playing time and competition for places. However, he has since proven himself as an exceptional talent at RCD Mallorca and is sure to have a bright future ahead of him.