Young Japanese defender Kōta Takai joins Tottenham on long-term deal

Kōta Takai has officially joined Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur for a reported £5 million fee — setting a new transfer record for J1 League players.

The 20-year-old center-back started his career at Kawasaki Frontale, where he made his professional debut three years ago in an AFC Champions League match against Guangzhou FC.

Standing at 1.92 meters, Takai represents the modern defender archetype — composed in possession and capable of distributing from the back. His talent has already earned him four caps with the senior Japan national team.

The Yokohama native’s achievements include:

• AFC U-23 Asian Cup victory
• Paris Olympics participation
• J.League Best Young Player 2024 award
• ACL Elite final appearance with Kawasaki Frontale

Takai’s contract with Spurs runs until 2030, with the possibility of an initial loan spell to gain European football experience — following the path of other Asian players like Kaoru Mitoma.