Tottenham Hotspur signs Japan national team defender Kota Takai (20, Kawasaki Frontale).
Multiple media outlets, including the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), reported on the 24th (Korean time) that "Tottenham has agreed in principle to Takai's transfer." The transfer fee is reported to be £5 million (approximately 9.2 billion won), making it the highest overseas transfer fee in J League history.
Takai currently belongs to Kawasaki Frontale in the J1 League. He has participated in 28 matches this season, playing a central role in defense. As a right-footed center-back, he can also manage both side defensive roles.
He made his debut for the Japan national team in the World Cup qualifiers against China held in September 2024. To date, he has played 2 international matches, gaining valuable experience.
Tottenham is focusing on strengthening its defense in the summer transfer market. In addition to existing main defenders Cristian Romero and Mickey van de Ven, they hold various resources, including Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso, and Luka Buskovic, but have also added Takai to their roster. Buskovic was signed in 2023 and is currently on loan at Belgian team Westerlo. He is expected to join Tottenham next season.
Thomas Frank, the new head coach of Tottenham, has preferred aggressive defensive tactics since his time at Brentford. The style involves maintaining a high defensive line while applying pressure in the opposing Chin Young. Takai's active defensive nature aligns with Coach Frank's tactical philosophy.
Takai has only six months remaining on his contract with Kawasaki. Some local reports suggest that he could immediately join the first team at Tottenham, while others raised the possibility of him having an adaptation period in the Premier League through a one-year loan.
Recently, Japanese players have been making an impact in the Premier League. Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton), Wataru Endo (Liverpool), and Junya Ito (Bournemouth) are notable examples. Takai is gaining attention as the next generation defender joining this trend.
From Tottenham's perspective, this transfer is seen as a 'cost-effective investment' in a promising defender for a low amount of £5 million.
[Photo] Kota Takai ⓒGettyimages (republication and redistribution without permission prohibited), Romano social media account.
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