Breaking: Tottenham Agree Deal to Sign Kawasaki Defender Kota Takai in Record-Breaking Move for Japanese Player

2025-06-24     Han, June
SUITA, JAPAN - JUNE 10: Kota Takai of Japan applauds supporters after the FIFA World Cup Asian Third Qualifier Group C match between Japan and Indonesia at Panasonic Stadium Suita on June 10, 2025 in Suita, Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)

 

Tottenham Hotspur are set to complete the signing of Japan international centre-back Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale in what is expected to be a record-breaking transfer for a Japanese player moving abroad, according to Japanese outlet Sponichi Annex.

The two clubs have reportedly reached a broad agreement over a fee in the region of £5 million (approximately ¥1 billion), including performance-related bonuses. If completed, the deal would mark the highest transfer fee ever paid for a Japanese player moving from the J.League to a foreign club—surpassing the 2021 move of Kyogo Furuhashi from Vissel Kobe to Celtic, which was worth €5.4 million.

Standing at 1.92 metres, Takai is widely regarded as one of the most promising defensive talents in Japanese football. Known for his combination of technical ability, speed, strength and aerial dominance, the 20-year-old gained international attention with standout performances at the Paris Olympics, where he featured in three of Japan's four matches.

The highly rated centre-back had attracted interest from several European clubs, including Udinese (Italy), Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Hoffenheim (both Germany), but has opted to join Tottenham and test himself in what is widely considered the world’s most demanding league.

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - APRIL 30: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr is challenged by Kota Takai of Kawasaki Frontale during the AFC Champions League Elite Semi Final between Al Nassr and Kawasaki Frontale at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on April 30, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

 

While Tottenham finished 17th in the Premier League this season, they lifted the UEFA Europa League under manager Ange Postecoglou—formerly of Yokohama F. Marinos—and are set to return to the UEFA Champions League next season for the first time in three years.

Sources suggest Takai could be loaned out to another club initially, but a direct Premier League debut would represent a major milestone. Should he make an appearance, he would become just the third Japanese centre-back to play in the English top flight, following Maya Yoshida and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

His arrival also raises the prospect of a highly anticipated Japan–Korea link-up in North London, joining club captain and Korean star Son Heung-min at Spurs.

Player Profile: Kota Takai

  • Date of Birth: 4 September 2004

  • Birthplace: Yokohama, Japan

  • Height/Weight: 1.92m / 90kg

  • Position: Centre-back

  • Club Career: Joined Kawasaki Frontale’s U-12 side from River FC; became the youngest professional in club history in February 2022. Made his J1 League debut in 2023.

  • 2024 Stats: 19 appearances, 2 goals

  • Honours: 2024 J1 Best Young Player

  • International: Debuted for Japan’s senior national team in September 2024, with four caps to date.