REAL'S TAK ON TRACK
Real Madrid promote 16-year-old Japanese sensation Takuhiro Nakai to first-team after Takefusa Kubo emergence
REAL Madrid wonderkid Takuhiro Nakai has taken a step closer to the big time after joining up with Zinedine Zidane and the first-team squad.
The teenage starlet has been training with the LaLiga giants’ senior players during the international break amid rumours he could be in contention for a first-team spot.
1
Nakai, 16, who emerged as a young star like Japanese compatriot Takefusa Kubo, has been making waves in the LaLiga champion’s Under-18 side.
But while Marca claims the player has been given a chance to impress first-team coaches, it is thought he is more likely to join Real’s B team, managed by Raul.
And Madrid officials have reportedly likened the young playmaker, who shares the same agents as Gareth Bale, to his youth team-mate Kubo.
Kubo, 19, who is on loan at Villarreal, rose through the ranks of Barcelona's academy before returning to Japan and later being bought by Real Madrid.
The winger, who has become buddies with Barcelona whizkid Ansu Fati, was dubbed 'The Japanese Messi' after some impressive performances during a loan at Mallorca last term.
The player netted four times in 36 appearances for the club across all competitions last term.
And he so far has made five first-team appearances for Villarreal, who face Valencia on Saturday afternoon.
Most read in Football
And his club's senior side, who are yet to drop a point following their five league opening games, will play Cadiz tomorrow evening.
Nakai is thought to be represented by Jonathan Barnett, an agent who also works on behalf of Bernabeu outcast Gareth Bale.
Barnett currently runs newly-created ICM Stellar Sports with Nakai regarded as one of their best young talents, according to the Daily Mail.
Man Utd star Paul Pogba confirms he’d like Real Madrid transfer ‘one day’ but insists he’s happy at Old Trafford
Topics