Young Japanese defender Kota Takai has become Tottenham’s second signing of the summer transfer window
Tottenham Hotspur are finally getting their transfers over the line as their summer window begins to heat up.
Daniel Levy has rightly faced heavy criticism over his lackadaisical approach in the transfer window thus far. The Spurs honcho made a bold statement last month to win the Premier League and UEFA Champions League but his words have not turned into action, leaving the club in danger of missing out on their top targets.
On Tuesday, though, the Lilywhites finally managed to get their second summer signing over the line. Young defender Kota Takai has officially completed his move to Tottenham from J-League club Kawasaki Frontale for £5million. His move represents a record fee for a Japanese player leaving the J-League, and the 20-year-old is expected to be a member of Thomas Frank’s first-team squad.
Kota Takai arrives with a growing reputation, having been named Young Player of the Year last season in Japan. The centre-back, who has signed a five-year deal with the North Londoners, has four senior international caps with Japan already since making his debut back in September and also appeared at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite his age, he made 78 first-team appearances for his previous club Kawasaki Frontale.
Kota Takai gives an impressive first interview as Tottenham player
Now settling down in his new surroundings since arriving in North London, Takai has given his first official interview as a Tottenham player. He has introduced himself to the club’s fantastic supporters, offered a glowing insight into his background and what he hopes to bring to Frank’s team.
“Having arrived in London, I am full of excitement. My position is centre-back. I can play either side – right or left,” Takai told the club’s official website.
“I was born in Kanagawa, Japan. I have always played football since my childhood. The reason why I love football is because as a team we can improve our skills together.
“I played at the match with Kawasaki Frontale at the J League on Saturday, and I got on the plane the next day. And I am here today, now. I have always watched the Premier League a lot, since I was little. At Spurs, my first aim is to be on the pitch for a match and do my best.”
Thomas Frank set to evaluate Kota Takai in pre-season tour
One of the brightest young prospects coming out of Japan at the moment, Takai will be raring to impress Frank and his coaching staff from the first day on the training field.
Despite expected to be a member of the first-team squad, many fans may raise the youngster’s ability to instantly adapt to the intensity of the Premier League and why he’d be better suited to spending next season out on loan. A season spent elsewhere in Europe could be precious to the the Japanese’s development as a player, but Frank will evaluate Takai’s performances in the forthcoming pre-season tour before making a decision on his immediate future at the club.