Have Tottenham Hotspur Signed Japanese Defender Kota Takai?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kota Takai joins Tottenham from Kawasaki Frontale.
- He has a contract lasting until 2030.
- At just 20, he has already made significant contributions in his career.
- He has represented Japan at various international competitions.
- Tottenham is gearing up for a promising season ahead.
London, July 8 (NationPress) Tottenham Hotspur has officially secured the services of Kota Takai from the J1 League team Kawasaki Frontale, pending international clearance and a work permit.
The Japan international defender has committed to a contract with the club that extends until 2030.
Hailing from Yokohama, Kota climbed the ranks at Kawasaki Frontale, making his first team debut at the age of just 17 in April 2022, during an impressive 8-0 win over Guangzhou in the AFC Champions League.
In his subsequent season, the now 20-year-old quickly established himself as a regular, racking up 21 appearances and contributing to the team’s triumph in the 2023 Japanese Cup (Emperor's Cup).
With a commanding presence on the field, Kota played a vital role in helping the Azzurro Nero clinch the 2024 Japanese Super Cup. His outstanding performances earned him the esteemed J.League’s Best Young Player accolade later that year.
During his tenure at Kawasaki Frontale, he accumulated a total of 81 senior appearances, netting four goals and playing a pivotal role in the team’s journey to the 2025 AFC Champions League final last season.
On the international front, Kota has represented Japan at various age levels and was instrumental in his country’s success at the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup in 2024. He also made his mark at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where the team advanced to the quarter-finals.
In September 2024, he made his senior debut during a World Cup qualifying match against China, earning four caps for his national side thus far.
Last month, the London club also secured forward Mathys Tel on a permanent deal from Bayern Munich through 2031.
Despite a challenging season that saw them finish in the bottom half of the table, Tottenham managed to secure UCL football for the upcoming season with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final held in Bilbao.
Tottenham is set to kick off their 2025-26 Premier League season against Chelsea on August 17.