Tottenham agree record-breaking transfer as Daniel Levy signs off on new signing
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly reached a significant transfer breakthrough, securing a deal with Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale to sign highly-rated young defender Kota Takai in a record-setting move worth £5 million. The transfer is set to make the 20-year-old centre-back the most expensive Japanese player to depart the J1 League in history, highlighting both Tottenham’s commitment to global scouting and their aggressive rebuilding strategy under new leadership.
The North London club, now managed by Thomas Frank following the departure of Ange Postecoglou earlier this summer, has wasted no time in reshaping the squad ahead of the upcoming season. Frank, who arrives with a reputation for developing talent and building resilient teams, appears determined to bolster Spurs’ defensive depth—and the acquisition of Takai is a clear signal of intent.
According to a report from talkSPORT, Takai will become an integral part of Frank’s first-team plans upon the completion of the deal, which is expected to be finalized in the coming days. The young centre-back has spent over a decade at Kawasaki Frontale, having joined the club’s academy back in 2011. Since making his senior debut in 2022, he has made 78 appearances, scored four goals, and notably helped the team to Super Cup glory in 2023.
Takai’s rapid rise has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, he was named the J.League’s Best Young Player, and he already has four caps for the Japan national team. His blend of composure, strength, and tactical awareness has attracted interest across Europe, but it’s Spurs who have made the decisive move.
Once the transfer is complete, Takai will become Tottenham’s fourth permanent signing of a busy summer window. His arrival follows the completed deals for Kevin Danso, who joined for £21 million after a solid loan stint from RC Lens, and Mathys Tel, whose £30 million transfer from Bayern Munich was finalized despite an underwhelming loan campaign last season.
Additionally, Croatian goalkeeping prospect Luka Vuskovic, aged just 18, will officially join the club on July 1 from Hajduk Split, having agreed to the move earlier. The young keeper is widely seen as one for the future but could benefit from Frank’s nurturing environment.
Takai will now compete for a spot in a centre-back unit already containing the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies, and the aforementioned Danso. It’s a competitive department, but Frank is known for rotating tactically and putting faith in young talents who fit his system.
Meanwhile, Spurs remain active in the transfer market. While their defensive recruitment looks largely complete, the focus is now shifting toward the attacking line. However, one target may have slipped through their grasp—Bryan Mbeumo. The Brentford forward, long admired by Frank from their time together, appears to be on the verge of a £60 million switch to Manchester United, with the Red Devils submitting an improved offer to beat out rival suitors.
Still, with weeks remaining in the summer window, further arrivals are expected at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Frank continues to stamp his identity on the team. For now, the signing of Kota Takai marks another bold step in Spurs’ efforts to build a more dynamic, youthful squad capable of challenging on all fronts.