Who is Kota Takai? Tottenham Hotspur new signing

The Japanese centre-back is one of the most underrated defenders.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to a £5 million deal to sign Kota Takai, a Japanese international from Kawasaki Frontale of the J-League. Thomas Frank’s first team will include the 20-year-old centre back when he joins the team next month.

Takai made his international debut in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match against China last September and has since earned two caps for Japan’s senior team.

He was awarded the country’s best young player in 2024 and was instrumental in Kawasaki Frontale’s victory in the Japanese Super Cup.

Alongside fellow centre-backs Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, and Radu Dragusin, Takai will vie for a spot in the Tottenham squad.

Who is the new Tottenham signing, Kota Takai?

In 2004, Kota Takai was born in Yokohama’s Tsurumi-ku. During his early years, he began playing football with River FC. The J-League team Kawasaki Frontale’s academy quickly signed him after recognising his skill. After honing his craft, Takai emerged as a key central defender for the squad.

In April 2022, Takai made his senior debut, starting his professional career on a strong note by playing in an 8-0 triumph over Guangzhou.

Takai had a memorable 2022–2023 season. He played 21 games for Kawasaki Frontale. In May 2024, he scored his first goal for the senior team.

Takai won the title of Japan’s greatest young player in 2024 and inspired Kawasaki to win the Japanese Super Cup, thanks to his efforts.

🚨⚪️ Tottenham agree £5m deal with Kawasaki Frontale to sign 2004 born Japan international centre-back Kota Takai.Record fee ever received for a Japanese player from the J League, as @sponichisoccer reports. pic.twitter.com/zJdwND7pYG

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 23, 2025

Kota Takai’s quick ascent carried over to the global arena. In September 2024, he got his first senior cap for Japan by taking Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Ko Itakura’s place.

They defeated China 7-0 in the World Cup qualifying match. He has now gained three more caps, including a cameo in a loss to Australia and a full 90-minute effort in a 6-0 victory against Indonesia.

At the 2024 AFC Asian Cup, Takai also played for Japan’s Under-23 squad, helping them defeat Uzbekistan 1-0 to win the championship. Additionally, he participated in the 2024 Olympic Games, helping Japan advance to the quarterfinals.

Takai’s playing style and strengths

In the J1 League, Kota Takai, a contemporary centre-back, made an impression. He is 1.92m, which is a great height for a centre-back. He boasts aerial prowess and the ability to make quick tackles.

However, he still has a lot to learn as he progresses into an experienced defender. Given he is only 20, transitioning into a Premier League player will be challenging for him. But Takai has enough background as a centre-back that should see him settle in the league.

He has appeared in nine games in the AFC Champions League, started every game this season, and scored twice. His productivity against Al Nassr in April 2024, in which Kawasaki Frontale overcame a team full of superstars, including Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo, 3-2, was praised all over the world.

Takai has been compared to Tottenham’s youthful talents like Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie due to his maturity and ability.

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