Liverpool remains strongly linked with a move for Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo but amid all the speculation surrounding the Japanese international's move to Anfield, a fascinating story has emerged.

The 23-year-old was on the youth books at Barcelona between 2011-2015 but was ultimately forced out of the club after it was found to have violated FIFA's international transfer policy for under-18 youths in 2014, according to GiveMeSport, having wrongfully registering 10 minors between 2009 and 2013 - of which one of them was Kubo.

Barcelona was handed a 14-month ban as a result and Kubo returned to his homeland in search of regular game time, having become ineligible to play for the Catalan club.

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READ MORE: Takefusa Kubo 'already learning English' amid $71m Liverpool transfer rumors

READ MORE: Takefusa Kubo already made feelings clear on Liverpool amid $71m transfer rumors

The Uruguayan forward had made quite a name for himself at Anfield after plundering in 82 goals in 133 appearances for the Reds, including 31 goals in 33 Premier League appearances in his final season, and Barcelona had identified him as the perfect replacement for David Villa.

But the transfer embargo on the Spanish outfit meant that any transfer for Suarez would not go through, and the Liverpool forward would either remain at Anfield or move elsewhere.

Luis Suarez enjoyed a remarkable spell at Barcelona - but his 2014 transfer almost didn't happen.

But had Barcelona not been granted a 12-month delay on its transfer embargo, a move for Suarez that summer would never have happened.