In this Dec 7, 2019 photo, Barcelona's Argentine forward Lionel Messi (left) vies with Real Mallorca's Japanese midfielder Takefusa Kubo during the Spanish League football match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. (JOSEP LAGO / AFP)

Villarreal have signed Japanese playmaker Takefusa Kubo on loan from Real Madrid for next season, the La Liga club said on Monday.

Takefusa Kubo signed for Real from FC Tokyo last year for two million euros (US$2.35 million) on a six-year contract

Kubo, 19, impressed last season in his debut campaign in the top-flight on loan at Real Mallorca although was unable to prevent the team from being relegated a year after winning promotion.

The playmaker spent time at Barcelona’s academy but was forced to leave the club due to FIFA’s rules prohibiting the signing of underage players, which led to Barca being hit with a transfer ban.

He signed for Real from FC Tokyo last year for two million euros (US$2.35 million) on a six-year contract.

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Kubo joins a Villarreal side in the middle of a huge transformation ahead of the new season, having replaced coach Javi Calleja with Unai Emery after finishing fifth last campaign.

The club are also set to sign midfield pair Dani Parejo and Francis Coquelin from neighbours Valencia, according to reports in the Spanish media.