Tottenham ‘agree deal’ for next summer signing as selling club bank record fee
Tottenham Hotspur have secured an agreement for their next summer signing, with highly-rated Japanese centre-back Kota Takai set to make the move from J-League outfit Kawasaki Frontale. The North London club has reportedly agreed a deal worth £5 million for the 20-year-old defender, according to BBC Sport. Takai is expected to become part of new head coach Thomas Frank’s first-team squad for the upcoming season.
The promising young defender, who has already earned two caps for the Japanese national team, made his international debut in 2023 during a friendly match against China. His addition will further bolster Spurs’ defensive ranks, joining a group of central defenders that already includes Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, and newly-signed Kevin Danso. Despite his age and relative inexperience at the top level, Tottenham believe Takai has the potential to grow into a key player for the future.
A Historic Deal for Kawasaki Frontale
The £5 million fee Tottenham have agreed to pay represents a club-record sale for Kawasaki Frontale, nearly doubling their previous highest transfer sum. That record was previously held by Kaoru Mitoma, who joined Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion for around £2.6 million in 2021. The same fee was also received for Brazilian forward Renatinho, who moved to the Chinese Super League back in 2015.
Takai’s transfer to Tottenham signifies yet another success story for the Kawasaki Frontale academy, which has produced several players who have gone on to play in Europe. Other notable names include Reo Hatate, now excelling at Scottish Premiership champions Celtic, and Ao Tanaka, who made a significant contribution to Leeds United’s promotion campaign before arriving at Elland Road via a spell at Fortuna Düsseldorf in Germany.
From Kawasaki to North London
Kota Takai, a native of Yokohama, has spent the majority of his youth career at Kawasaki Frontale, having joined the club’s academy in 2011. He rose through the ranks and made his professional debut in 2022. Since then, he has made a name for himself as a composed, ball-playing centre-back with strong aerial ability and tactical discipline—traits that Spurs’ scouting department believes can be developed even further in the Premier League.
Although competition for a starting spot at Tottenham will be fierce, particularly with Romero and Van de Ven seen as first-choice defenders, Takai’s arrival adds crucial depth to the squad. Tottenham’s qualification for the Champions League means the club will be fighting on multiple fronts next season, including domestic competitions and European fixtures, where squad rotation will be essential.
Thomas Frank Ready to Mold a Talented Squad
New Spurs boss Thomas Frank, who recently took over from Ange Postecoglou, has expressed enthusiasm about working with his new group of players. Speaking last week about his plans for the squad, Frank said:
“It’s a very talented squad, a very good squad and I’m very excited to start working with them. Of course, when you follow the Premier League, you see the other teams, you see Tottenham – you’ve seen some fantastic performances from the team over the last years. So, I think there’s big potential.”
He added:
“But, of course, I’m looking from the outside, so I’m looking forward to getting to know them, to be around them, to feel them, understand them, work with them on the training pitch. That’s where you really get the big understanding — to see the relationships between players and how to get the best out of them.”
Frank also hinted at the tactical flexibility he is aiming to implement, noting:
“I’ve got an idea already, my head is spinning — how can we play, how do I put them together? But I’m looking forward to that.”
Strategic Youth Investment Continues
Takai’s signing reflects Tottenham’s ongoing strategy to invest in young, international talent that can be developed into first-team regulars. It follows similar moves in recent years where Spurs have brought in younger players with high potential and integrated them into the squad over time. The club hopes Takai will follow the path of other successful Japanese exports who have made an impact in European football, such as Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton), and Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad).
If Takai can adapt quickly to the demands of English football and thrive under the guidance of Thomas Frank, he could very well become the next breakout star to emerge from Japan’s growing pipeline of top-tier talent.
As Spurs continue to reshape their squad ahead of a demanding campaign, the acquisition of Takai marks both a long-term investment and a statement of intent. With European football returning to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, fans will be eager to see how the young centre-back fits into Frank’s plans as the club aims to compete for major honours once again.