Spurs sign international defender as Thomas Frank lands second summer transfer

Tottenham have had a relatively quiet transfer window so far but have announced their first new addition of the summer after signing Japanese defender Kota Takai, who will add to Thomas Frank’s defensive options

Tottenham have announced the signing of Japanese defender Kota Takai from J1 League outfit Kawasaki Frontale, with the centre-back joining Thomas Frank‘s men on a five-year deal.

The 20-year-old becomes the club’s second transfer of the summer after completing a permanent deal for loanee Mathys Tel. Defender Kevin Danso also joined permanently at the end of last season.

Frank will be grateful for a new addition in defence after Radu Dragusin was ruled out for a lengthy spell after suffering a serious ACL injury in February, with the Romanian not expected back until the end of the year.

Takai will compete for a starting spot with first choice pairing Cristian Romero and Mickey van de Ven as well as Danso and will hope to make a quick impact after being named Japan’s young player of the year in 2024.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of Kota Takai from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale, subject to international clearance and work permit,” Tottenham said in a statement.

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“The Japan international defender has agreed a deal with the club that will run until 2030.”

Takai made his international debut in September in a 7-0 World Cup qualifying win over China having helped his club side to an eighth-placed finish domestically last season.

Takai has made four senior appearances for his country, having broken into Kawasaki’s first team in 2022 at the age of just 17.

He made a total of 81 senior appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring four goals, and helped them reach the 2025 AFC Champions League final.

Frank will still be hoping for more signings as he continues to stamp his mark on the squad since taking over from Ange Postecoglou last month.

Spurs are in talks with West Ham to sign winger Mohammed Kudus, but they have seen a £50million bid rejected after reportedly including “unrealistic” add-ons.

It was claimed by talkSport that Tottenham’s add-ons would only be triggered if they won the Premier League or Champions League, with West Ham demanding a guaranteed £60m.

The Europa League champions have also been linked with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze and Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo – but appear to have cooled their interest in the latter two.

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