International Kota TakaiTottenham Hotspur has signed Japanese defender Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale on a five-year contract, solidifying their defensive lineup. The 20-year-old centre-back has agreed to a deal worth £5 million, which is reportedly a record fee for a Japanese player coming directly from the J League. Takai’s impressive performances for Kawasaki Frontale, including helping his side reach the Asian Champions League Elite final, caught the attention of Tottenham’s technical director Johan Lange, who identified him as a potential regular first-team player.
Takai’s skills and experience will undoubtedly bolster Tottenham’s defense, especially with his ability to play as a centre-back. He has already made four appearances for Japan’s national team and was named the J-League’s Young Player of the Year in 2024. With this signing, Takai becomes the third centre-back to join Tottenham this summer, following the arrivals of Luka Vuskovic and Kevin Danso. This strategic recruitment reflects Tottenham’s commitment to smart and global scouting, potentially making Takai a cornerstone of the club’s future.
