Tottenham Hotspur have announced the signing of Japanese defender Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale for a reputed £5 million.
The 20-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Europa League champions until the summer of 2030, and is expected to join Thomas Frank’s first team immediately rather than being sent out elsewhere.
Takai is the third player to join Spurs’ senior team this summer, although he is the first actual fresh face, since Tottenham’s previous two signings were Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel on permanent contracts following loan spells.
Takai joins North London after making 81 appearances in all competitions for Kawasaki Frontale, scoring four goals and setting up one for the Japanese time giants. According To Sport Mile.
The 2004-born defender was instrumental in Kawasaki’s journey to the AFC Champions League final earlier this year, guiding his team to a 3-2 victory over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the semi-finals.
The 6ft 3in defender has four caps for the Japan national team and is set to compete for a berth in the 2026 World Cup roster.
When could Takai make his debut for Tottenham?
Takai’s £5 million deal is not yet final, as Tottenham have stated that the player’s arrival is still pending international clearance and a work visa.
However, there appear to be few problems regarding Takai receiving the appropriate documentation, and he will very probably be at Frank’s disposal for the start of the Premier League season.
Before the competitive season begins, Tottenham will play at least five friendlies, the first of which will be against League One side Reading at the Madejski Stadium on July 19, where Takai might make his unofficial debut.
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The Lilywhites then play Luton Town seven days later before departing on a pre-season tour of Asia, where they will face Arsenal in Hong Kong on July 31 and Newcastle United in South Korea on August 3.
One final friendly is slated for August 7 against Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich in Germany, followed by a thrilling UEFA Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain on August 13, in which Takai might make his first competitive game for Spurs.
The 20-year-old should then be included in Frank’s Premier League squad for the season’s first weekend, when Tottenham visit Burnley on August 16.
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