Kota Takai

[USspur]

We are delighted to announce the signing of Kota Takai from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale, subject to international clearance and work permit.

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

Born in Yokohama, Kota progressed through the ranks at Kawasaki Frontale and, at just 17 years of age, earned his first team debut in April, 2022, coming in an 8-0 victory over Guangzhou in the AFC Champions League.

The 20-year-old soon became a regular in the senior side, making 21 appearances the following campaign including four outings in the team’s run to lifting the 2023 Japanese Cup (Emperor's Cup).

An imposing figure at the back, Kota continued to impress and helped the Azzurro Nero to the 2024 Japanese Super Cup. Later that year, he earned recognition for his performances, claiming the J.League’s Best Young Player award.

During his time with Kawasaki Frontale, he made a total of 81 senior appearances in all competitions, scoring on four occasions and, last term, helped his team to the 2025 AFC Champions League final.

On the international stage, Kota has featured for Japan across multiple age groups and, in 2024, helped his country to glory at the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup. He also represented his country at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament.

In September, 2024, he earned his senior debut in a World Cup qualifying fixture against China, earning four caps for his country to date.

 

[SpiderSpurs]

The cynic in me says this signing is a replacement for the Son/Korean market, when he leaves during the summer.

Hopefully he's a very good footballer.

 

[Yid]

Isn't he Japanese...?

 

[SpiderSpurs]

Isn't he Japanese...?

Yes

 

[jaxdermot]

 

[J.spurs]

He looks the business on YT.

 

[Style And Glory]

He looks the business on YT.

Kota in Greek means chicken

 

[J.spurs]

Kota in Greek means chicken

Apparently in Japanese it means great

 

[Yid]

THE GREAT CHICKEN....!!!

 

[J.spurs]

THE GREAT CHICKEN....!!!

Perfect at Spurs...

 

[USspur]

Tottenham given work permit update over new signing Kota Takai

EXCLUSIVE - Tottenham Hotspur's signing from Japan has been waiting to start training with his team-mates and new head coach Thomas Frank

www.football.london

Kota Takai has now received his work permit and has been able to begin training with his Tottenham team-mates, football.london understands.

Spurs sealed the £5million deal for the 20-year-old Japan international a week ago from Kawasaki Frontale and have been waiting since for the work permit. Without that, the centre-back has been unable to train and get to work as part of new head coach Thomas Frank's era at the club.


However, football.london understands that Takai received his work permit on Tuesday morning and was finally able to take part in training sessions with his team-mates.

The Yokohama-born defender had agreed a deal with Spurs that will run until 2030. He made his first team debut for Kawasaki in April 2022 in an 8-0 victory over Guangzhou in the AFC Champions League. He went on to earn the J.League’s Best Young Player award while making a total of 81 senior appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals, and he helped his team to the 2025 AFC Champions League final.

On the international stage, Takai has made four senior appearances so far for Japan in World Cup qualifying fixtures and in 2024 helped his country to win the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup. He also represented his country at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament.

In his first interview with the club, Takai said he was looking forward to the challenge ahead ahead after quickly heading over from Japan, having said goodbye to the Kawasaki fans in an emotional ceremony within a sold-out stadium following their 2-1 win against Kashima Antlers.


"I played in the match with Kawasaki Frontale in the J.League on Saturday and I got on the plane the next day and I'm here today, now," he said. "Having arrived in London I'm full of excitement."

On where he can play at the back, the young defender confirmed that versatility that will serve him well under Frank: "My position is centre-back. I can play either side - right or left.


"I was born in Kanagawa, Japan. I've always played football since my childhood. The reason why I love football is because as a team we can improve our skills together."

He added: "I've always watched the Premier League a lot, since I was little. At Spurs, my first aim is to be on the pitch for a match and do my best."