Everything you need to know about new Tottenham signing Kota Takai | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur have made their first new signing under Thomas Frank – here is everything you need to know about him.

Spurs have signed Koto Takai from J-League side Kawasaki Frontale for a £5 million fee.

The loan moves of Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel have already been made permanent by Spurs, but Takai will be the first new face to arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

The 20-year-old defender will boost Frank’s squad with plenty of both potential and experience.

Playing history

After 11 years in the Kawasaki Frontale academy, the centre-back was promoted to the first team for the 2022 season. He made his debut that season at the age of 17 in the Asian version of the Champions League.

Since then he has become an important player for the Japanese outfit, and has made 81 total appearances. Takai has enjoyed successes with his side too. They won the 2023 Emperor’s Cup (the Japanese version of the FA Cup) and the 2024 Japanese Super Cup.

He was also part of the side that recently reached the 2025 AFC Champions League final. However, they were defeated 2-0 by an Al-Ahli side which featured Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firming and Ivan Toney.

Takai has also been capped by the Japan national team. After representing his country at youth levels, he made his full international debut in September 2024. So far he has made four appearances for Japan and he also represented them at the 2024 Olympics.

Contract status

Takai has joined Tottenham on a five-year deal. His contract will run until 2030, when he will be aged 25.

Style of play?

Takai is very much a modern central defender. Standing at six foot and four inches tall, he is an athletic player but he is also very capable on the ball. He is comfortable in possession and ranks amongst the best passers in the J-League.

Did you know?

On their way to the AFC Champions League final, Kawasaki Frontale faced Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the semi-final. Takai was the man tasked with marking the Portuguese superstar, as the Japanese side triumphed 3-2.