Young Japanese defender Kota Takai joins Tottenham after Indonesia match

Kota Takai — the young Japanese defender who featured in the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Indonesia — has officially joined Tottenham Hotspur.

The match in Osaka showcased several players with English Premier League experience — including Marselino Ferdinan and Ole Romeny from Oxford United for Indonesia, along with Wataru Endo from Liverpool and Daichi Kamada from Crystal Palace for Japan.

The Kawasaki Frontale product has recorded 78 appearances with his club — despite being only 20 years old. Takai’s achievements are further enhanced by his four caps with the senior Japanese national team.