June 15th, 2019 [Notice from the club]
[To fans and supporters] On the subject of Takefusa Kubo's transfer
We sincerely thank you for your warm support.
Firstly, we apologize to our fans and supporters that news of this transfer was leaked by some media, and that it became public before an official match.
It has been officially determined that Takefusa Kubo will make a complete transfer to Real Madrid. As a club, we had strongly wished that he stay to lift the [Championship trophy] with us, but this is where we are. As seen from his play this season, Kubo has grown and developed into one of the foremost players in Japan, and he has great potential. As a club, we hope that he continues to grow and become one of the foremost players in the world, pulling Japanese football forward. Please continue to offer Kubo your support.
Secondly, we inform our fans and supporters about how this transfer took place. Kubo joined FC Tokyo U15 Musashi from FC Barcelona in May 2015. There were extraneous circumstances with his former club, but he chose FC Tokyo as his pathway to growth. From the time we signed him, he had a strong desire to play overseas. In order to seek that possibility when he turned 18, our contract with him was until that day. (He first signed on as an amateur, and professionally from 2017). Of course when he turned 18 in June of 2019, FC Tokyo made him an offer as well, but multiple clubs considered Big Clubs globally also made offers. We were told that he had some desire to stay and contribute to the Championship, considering the team's situation this season and his own personal growth. But ultimately, he chose Real Madrid, one of the biggest clubs in the world.
The season goes on. Our goal to be a strong, cherished team does not change. Our coach, players and staff are united in our efforts to win the title and share that joy with our fans and supporters.
Finally, we hope to make the occasion for Kubo to speak to our fans and supporters. As that depends on his schedule, we will inform you once a date is set. Thank you for your continued support.
CEO Ohgane Naoki
TL;DR: Due to Kubo's stated desire to return to Europe as soon as he turned 18, FC Tokyo had signed him to an unorthodox contract that lasted until Kubo's 18th birthday, hence why his contract ended in June.
