Kota Takai Highlights Key Strength After £5m Tottenham Switch

Newly signed Tottenham defender Kota Takai has revealed his best quality after completing a transfer from Kawasaki Frontale. The £5 million deal is the largest sale in J-League history, and the player has signed a five-year contract.

Kota Takai is regarded as one of Japan’s most promising talents and was named Japan’s Young Player of the Year in 2024. At just 20 years old, he already has four senior international caps and is expected to play a key role under manager Thomas Frank next season.

Speaking publicly for the first time since his signing, the defender highlighted his positional versatility and early-career experience as his standout attributes. “My position is centre-back,” he explained, speaking in his native Japanese via Tottenham’s Instagram page. “I can play either side – right or left.”

Promoted to Kawasaki Frontale’s first team in 2022, Kota Takai made his debut in an impressive 8-0 victory over Guangzhou shortly thereafter. With a total of 60 senior league appearances under his belt, the most recent coming just three days ago, he is ready to make an immediate impact in N17. “I played in a match with Kawasaki Frontale in the J-League on Saturday and got on the plane the next day to be here,” he shared. “Having arrived in London, I’m full of excitement.”

He also commented on how his experience in the J-League has equipped him for life in England, stating, “The J-League is known for its high intensity, and the level is very high. Winning the Young Player Award last year made me very happy. Joining Team Japan was always my dream, and I remember having goosebumps when I first took the pitch for the national team.”

A lifelong Premier League fan, Kota Takai is eager to make his debut for Tottenham, which could happen as soon as next Saturday in their first preseason friendly against Reading. “I’ve always watched the Premier League since I was little. At Spurs, my first goal is to get on the pitch during a match and give my best effort. I was born in Kanagawa, Japan, and I’ve played football since I was a child because I love how a team can develop and improve together.”