Tottenham agree second summer signing for Thomas Frank with surprise transfer
Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal worth £5 million to sign highly rated Japanese centre-back Kota Takai from J-League side Kawasaki Frontale, making the 20-year-old defender the latest addition in the club’s youth-focused recruitment strategy.
According to football.london, Takai is set to join Spurs this summer and is expected to be integrated directly into new head coach Thomas Frank’s first-team squad ahead of the 2025–26 season. The young defender will leave Kawasaki midway through the current J.League campaign to link up with the North London club’s pre-season preparations, which begin in just over two weeks.
Despite his age, Takai arrives at Tottenham with a strong pedigree and considerable top-level experience. He has featured in 19 league matches for Kawasaki Frontale this season, in addition to making nine appearances in the AFC Champions League—scoring two goals along the way. His standout performance came in the semi-finals of the continental tournament, where he helped his side defeat Saudi Arabian giants Al-Nassr 3-2, impressively holding his own against global stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and Jhon Durán.
Takai’s leadership qualities have also come to the fore. He wore the captain’s armband during Kawasaki’s 3-3 draw against Yokohama in April—becoming one of the youngest players to lead the team in recent years. His transfer to Tottenham will reportedly set a new J.League record as the most expensive outgoing domestic player to a foreign club.
Born in Yokohama, Takai is a versatile central defender capable of operating on either side of a centre-back pairing. He was identified as a top-level prospect by Spurs technical director Johan Lange and his scouting team, who believe the young Japanese international is well-suited to make the leap into Premier League football. His signing has been officially approved by Thomas Frank, who is keen to build a squad that blends youth with experience.
Tottenham view Takai as part of the club’s broader vision for long-term success, joining a list of emerging talents such as Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr, Destiny Udogie, and new arrival Archie Gray. While it’s possible that some new signings could be sent out on loan to gain more experience, the current plan is for Takai to remain with the first team for the 2025–26 campaign, where he will be closely monitored by Frank and his coaching staff throughout pre-season.
Takai’s résumé already places him among the most seasoned young defenders in Asia. At just 20, he has already racked up 78 senior club appearances, participated in the Olympics, and earned four caps for Japan in World Cup qualifying matches. Comparatively, his international exposure and top-flight experience arguably exceed that of several other Spurs youngsters who have successfully transitioned into the first team.
Earlier this year, he played a pivotal role in helping Kawasaki Frontale win the Japanese Super Cup, and his performances were further validated when he was named the J.League’s Young Player of the Year—a prestigious honor that underscored his immense potential. Interestingly, his preferred shirt number—number 2—is currently available at Tottenham, raising speculation he may wear it upon his arrival.
Takai joins a growing list of centre-backs at Tottenham, as the club builds depth and competition in its defensive ranks. Spurs now boast an array of talent in this position, including Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin (currently recovering from injury), Ben Davies, and up-and-coming defenders Ashley Phillips and Alfie Dorrington. In addition, Croatian teenager Luka Vuskovic, who had been loaned out to clubs in Belgium and Poland while awaiting eligibility to join Spurs officially, is also arriving this summer.
With this influx of youth and experience, Thomas Frank will have a wide range of options to consider as he evaluates his squad’s balance between proven performers and rising stars.
Second Signing of the Frank Era
Takai is now set to become the second signing under Thomas Frank’s leadership following the permanent transfer of Mathys Tel. The French forward completed his move from Bayern Munich after a successful loan spell at Spurs last season. The club managed to negotiate a significantly reduced transfer fee for the 19-year-old, finalising a £29.8 million (€35 million) deal with an additional £4.2 million (€5 million) in performance-related add-ons—around £15 million less than Bayern’s original £45 million purchase option.
As Spurs prepare for a new chapter under Frank, the acquisition of Kota Takai signals the club’s continued emphasis on nurturing elite young talent capable of thriving in the Premier League and on the European stage. All eyes will be on how quickly the Japanese starlet can adapt to life in North London and the demands of England’s top flight.