Tottenham Hotspur has completed the signing of Japan international defender Kota Takai from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale, the club confirmed on Monday. The deal is subject to international clearance and a work permit.
The 20-year-old has signed a contract that will keep him at the North London club until 2030.
Born in Yokohama, Takai rose through the youth ranks at Kawasaki Frontale and made his senior debut at just 17 in an AFC Champions League fixture against Guangzhou in April 2022. He quickly established himself as a key figure in the side, making 21 appearances in the 2023 season and playing a pivotal role in the club’s Japanese Cup triumph.
Known for his strong physical presence at the back, Takai continued his impressive rise in 2024, helping his team lift the Japanese Super Cup and later being named the J.League’s Best Young Player. He leaves Kawasaki with 81 senior appearances and four goals to his name, having also featured in the 2025 AFC Champions League final.
On the international stage, Takai has represented Japan at various youth levels and played a crucial role in the country’s victory at the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup in 2024. He also featured at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Japan reached the quarter-finals. His senior debut came in a World Cup qualifier against China in September 2024, and he has since earned four caps.
Takai becomes Spurs’ second major signing of the summer following the arrival of French forward Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.
Despite finishing in the lower half of the Premier League table last season, Tottenham secured Champions League football by beating Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final in Bilbao.
Ange Postecoglou’s side will kick off their 2025–26 league campaign with a high-profile clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on August 17.
